Artothek: Steel plates of consolation

The forecourt of the crematorium at Rosenberg cemetery features imposing concrete beams and steel plates. Four of these are attached to the top and four to the bottom of the crematorium wall. On closer inspection, punched-out letters reveal words, two on each plate, so that a poem can be read on the wall as a whole: Deep sky, Wide world, Quietly swaying, Courageously walking.

The architect Markus Jedele and the writer Klaus Merz are responsible for this work of art. The former acted as planning manager for the conception and realisation of the crematorium. He is part of the architects' collective in Winterthur, which has set itself the task of creating material and cultural values with its architecture. To frame the area of the crematorium, it was initially decided to use perforated steel plates into which letters were to be incorporated. In search of expert support for the poetic text, the architects turned to the renowned writer Klaus Merz. He is a Swiss author who worked for a long time as a lecturer for language and culture at a higher technical college.

The central theme of the artwork, the confrontation with death, is reflected not only in the selected words, but also in the architectural execution: the realisation of the words makes the letters appear both right and upside down, regardless of the perspective from which they are viewed. The words can therefore be read from any side, which is a reminder of the omnipresence of death. The depiction of the inscription on the steel plates looks like a pattern. When the sun shines, the touching words are reflected on the ground and create a calm play of shadows. The combination of this modern work of art with the theme of death is a successful one. The installation can provide mourners with quiet comfort in its simple presentation.

The work is free and accessible to the public:
Rosenberg Cemetery | Am Rosenberg 5 | 8400 Winterthur

Facts:

Artist: Klaus Merz (*1945), Markus Jedele (*1963)
Title: Steel plates with text
Year: 2003
Material: Steel
Dimension: 1.83 x 2.83 m
Location: Rosenberg cemetery, crematorium courtyard
Ownership: City of Winterthur

Text: Sophia Vogt studies art history and German linguistics and literature at the University of Zurich.
Photo: Jonas Reolon is a photographer and cameraman from Winterthur.

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This article was published in the printed Coucou Culture Magazine. Coucou Kulturmagazin is published ten times a year as a printed edition - the April issue is now available. Find out more