taz.de
Memorial Lichtskulptur in Kassel Commemorates Lübcke and Yozgat
Natascha Sadr Haghighian's Lichtskulptur, a memorial on the Kassel government building's roof, commemorates Walter Lübcke and Halit Yozgat, both murdered by Nazis, funded by donations and designed to highlight the need for continued vigilance against right-wing extremism.
- How does the artwork's design—including its colors, angles, and location—contribute to its message?
- The 86-degree angle formed by connecting the victims' residences on a Kassel map is incorporated into the sculpture's design. The non-neutral colors, visible from afar, symbolize life and defiance against attempts to erase the victims' memory. The prominent placement on the government building challenges the building's inherent neutrality and demands recognition of the issue.
- What are the potential implications and criticisms of this memorial, and how have the creators addressed them?
- Potential criticism includes light pollution. However, the creators worked with experts to ensure environmental compatibility. The sculpture's placement on the roof minimizes this impact, while also acting as a symbolic positioning to avoid potential attacks. The artwork's creators also anticipated and included a disclaimer concerning artistic freedom vs. government opinion, due to the continued employment of the Verfassungsschutz officer linked to Yozgat's murder.
- What is the central message conveyed by the Lichtskulptur and its placement on the Kassel government building?
- The Lichtskulptur, featuring the names "WALTER" and "HALİT", directly connects the murders of Walter Lübcke and Halit Yozgat, emphasizing the ongoing threat of right-wing extremism. Its rooftop location symbolizes a rejection of neutrality and a demand for accountability, especially considering the presence of a Verfassungsschutz officer linked to Yozgat's murder still works at the building.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of the artwork and its creation, including the artist's intentions and potential criticisms. The inclusion of the artist's justifications for design choices, such as the color scheme and placement, prevents a solely negative framing.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral and objective, reporting the artist's statements and perspectives without overt bias. The article uses direct quotes extensively.
Bias by Omission
While the article focuses on the artist's perspective, it would benefit from including broader opinions on the artwork's impact and reception. The article lacks mention of any significant opposition to the artwork's message or design beyond a brief mention of unnamed individuals who found the inclusion of Halit Yozgat 'inappropriate'.
Sustainable Development Goals
The artwork commemorates victims of right-wing extremist violence, directly addressing SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all and build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels. The project raises awareness about unsolved murders and promotes justice for victims of terrorism. The inclusion of Halit Yozgat, a victim of the NSU, alongside Walter Lübcke highlights the ongoing struggle against right-wing extremism and the importance of accountability.