A metal sculpture commemorating a groundbreaking feminist action from 1991 is set to return to Goethestern Square in Kassel, Germany. The sculpture, known as "Emma Murks" and dedicated to "the unknown deserter and saboteur," will be reinstalled after years of efforts by local activists and community organizations to bring back this symbol of women's resistance.
Bärbel Praßer, chairwoman of the Kassel-West Association for Urban Development in the Western District, announced that all necessary approvals have been secured for the sculpture's installation. The city's art committee has already given its green light, and other required permits are in place. The sculpture will be positioned at the southern edge of the perennial garden area at Goethestern Square, carefully placed to ensure it doesn't obstruct the sight line to the Hercules monument.
The original feminist action took place on Walpurgis Night, April 30, 1991, when activists from Kassel's autonomous women's and lesbian community took over the then-barren Goethestern area. They erected a feminist monument and renamed the space "Square of Resistant Women." The idea emerged from anti-Gulf War protests, according to information on the Kassel-West website. The activists christened their monument "Emma Murks," among other names.
The sculpture was designed to radically challenge traditional monument-building motives such as heroism, glory, self-promotion, and male cult worship. The boldly striding figure was dedicated to unknown female deserters and saboteurs, intended to keep alive the memory of countless women and lesbians who resisted male violence and war, while encouraging other women to join this resistance. The original sculpture remained at Goethestern Square until the city removed it in 1993.
Praßer believes the 1991 action contributed significantly to subsequent changes, including the naming of more streets after women and the erection of monuments honoring women's roles in history. The reinstallation project requires a total funding of 8,900 euros. The 1.82-meter-tall galvanized steel figure, which appears to be walking forward, will stand on an 80-centimeter-high pedestal.
The local district council voted by majority to contribute 4,000 euros from their discretionary funds, money that will be used for the foundation and other construction work. Once the full funding is secured, construction can begin on returning this powerful symbol of feminist resistance to its historic location.
