A prominent sculpture that has been a defining feature of Rottweil's cityscape since 2009 has officially become the property of the city. Mayor Dr. Christian Ruf and Department Head Marco Schaffert gratefully accepted the donation of the artwork from artist Armin Göhringer, who resides in Zell am Harmersbach.
The city also extended its appreciation to Jürgen Knubben, who had originally facilitated the sculpture's loan arrangement back in 2009. The transfer ceremony marks the end of a 16-year loan period during which the artwork has stood prominently on the stadium roundabout, becoming an integral part of the local landscape.
Göhringer, who has been working successfully with natural wood materials from his homeland for over 30 years, employs unique techniques in his artistic process. He uses chainsaws and welding torches to transform raw timber into striking sculptural forms. His distinctive approach involves working directly with the natural properties of wood to create compelling visual statements.
The artist's formal language is distinctly abstract, as he carves cubes, blocks, grids, and net-like structures from compact wooden logs. His works typically take the form of towering stelae, block-like cuboids, or corporeal beings that command attention through their bold presence. Each piece demonstrates his mastery of both traditional woodworking techniques and unconventional tools.
The sculpture's prominent placement reflects Rottweil's commitment to public art, a tradition that traces back to the 1970s when artist Erich Hauser provided the initial impetus for the "Art in the City" initiative. This cultural program has transformed the municipality into an outdoor gallery where residents and visitors can encounter contemporary art in their daily lives.
Göhringer expressed his satisfaction with the prominent location chosen for his sculpture, noting how the stadium roundabout provides excellent visibility for the artwork. The piece continues to serve as both an artistic landmark and a navigational reference point for the community, demonstrating the successful integration of contemporary art into urban planning.
