Colorful columns for Landau: Artwork brings color to the administration building!

Von Markus Schneiderling

Neue Kunst in Landau: Vier farbige Edelstahlsäulen von Elke Pfaffmann symbolisieren Verwaltungsthemen der Südlichen Weinstraße.
New art in Landau: Four colored stainless steel columns by Elke Pfaffmann symbolize administrative topics of the southern wine road. (Symbolbild/ANAG)

Am Southern Administration 2 of the Southern Weinstraße district administration in Landau has found a new work of art. On March 26, 2025, four magnificent stainless steel columns were unveiled there, which shine in bright colors. These sculptures, titled "Pillars of Society", come from the artist Elke Pfaffmann from Offenbach an der Queich. They are 2.90 meters high and made of three millimeter thick stainless steel.

The pillars represent the four departments of the administration: social affairs, veterinary, agriculture and viticulture. In this context, District Administrator Dietmar Seefeldt thanked the artist for her creative work and emphasized the playful contrast to the architecture of the administrative building. Pfaffmann chose strong main colors and striking graphic cuffs to design each of the columns individually. She emphasized that art should always make a statement and hopes that the viewers will be happy to find their work.

art in building as a cultural sign

The artwork is part of the "Art on Bau" project, which is supported by funding from the State of Rhineland-Palatinate. The district provided 20,000 euros in accordance with the state specifications. This funding program is an important part of cultural development in the country. According to fm.rlp.de , the participation of visual artists in state-funded construction measures is of great importance for artistic work.

Historically, the idea of ​​integrating art in public space has its origin in the Weimar Republic. In Rhineland-Palatinate one speaks of the fact that between 1% and 2.5% of the building costs should be used for artistic designs. The regulation levies works of art into a form of expression that is present outside of museums and contributes to the identity of buildings due to its uniqueness.

selection process and overall meaning

The jury members who selected the artwork in an anonymized competition in July were also recognized by District Administrator Seefeldt. The selection shows how important it is that works of art are specially designed for the respective location and connect to the surroundings. The range of artistic design has expanded in recent years. In addition to sculptures and wall designs, media and light art as well as installations are also part of "Art on Bau" projects.

With the creation of the "pillars of society", not only a new work of art has emerged, but also a sign of the artistic diversity and identity of the region. The commitment to art in public spaces not only promotes cultural life, but also contributes to the distinctiveness of public buildings. Such measures are essential to strengthen the connection between architecture and art and increase the quality of life of the citizens.

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