ART NEWS

Berlin Wall Fall: Mythical Sculptures Celebrate Anniversary

Guardians of Time, sculptures by Manfred Kielnhofer, like a mirage float through Berlin as part of the 25th year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany

Berlin Wall Guardians of Time, sculptures by Manfred Kielnhofer, float like a mirage through Berlin as part of the 25th year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany

ART PROJECT

Manfred Kielnhofer’s mythical sculptures celebrate the anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Festival of Lights

BY KAZAD

Guardian of Time, a sculpture by Manfred Kielnhofer sits on a wall filled with graffiti during the 25 years anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. Image courtesy of the artist

BERLIN, GERMANY– In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, there are celebrations everywhere. In Germany, Poland, Israel, and across the globe people are celebrating. The demolition of the Berlin Wall 25 years ago marked the end of oppressive rule and the degradation of the human soul. For many people, the fall of the Berlin Wall showed the power of human endurance and resilience.

Celebrating Fall of the Berlin Wall

In Berlin, a symbolic wall that served as a marker for the 15 kilometers (9.4 miles) was installed where the Berlin Wall used to stand. Called the Light Border, the wall was made up of illuminated balloons filled with helium. The almost 8, 000 white balloons were released into the night sky. Thousands from Germany and abroad watched as the balloons drifted across the sky to Beethoven’s Ode to Joy conducted by Daniel Barenboim. There were also dance party at the Brandenburg Gate, the symbol of unity where Europe’s east-west divide once ran.

In addition to all the celebrations, many artists also used the anniversary to showcase their works. In the spotlight was the Austrian artist Manfred Kielnhofer who situated his phantom and mythical sculptures on walls and on buildings across Berlin.

Kielnhofer is a painter, sculptor, and photographer. He was recently in Berlin as part of his Festival of Light. His monk-like figures known as Guardians of Time were strategically located around Berlin. Since 2011, Kielnhofer has been visiting Germany’s capital regularly to present his Guardians of Time sculptures.

Guardians of Time

The Guardians of Time have toured worldwide, visiting museums and exhibitions. Consisting of sitting and standing mythical figures, they have captivated viewers across the globe. This year, the mythical figures who walk like monks were installed in places across Berlin. Berliners were kept in great suspense as no one knew where they would appear. New to this year’s Festival of Lights was nearly three meters tall white guards. At the Festival Centre in Potsdamer Platz, the monks were both observers and guardians of time and space. Glowing under red and white lights the monks stood, presenting a view into the past and present.

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Manfred Kielnhofer, Guardians of Time celebrate 25 years of the fall of the Berlin Wall in Germany. Image courtesy of the artist

Manfred Kielnhofer’s Guardians of Time during the Festival of Lights at the Old Museum Cathedral Berlin Light Art Show Exhibition. Image courtesy of the artist