Isn’t it captivating? The Schaukelnde Mädachen statue stands as a testament to art. It embodies carefree joy. Here, at the entrance of the shopping center on Berliner Platz, stands a bronze sculpture. Gerhard Brandes created it in 1963. It captures the eye and invites us to pause.
These aren’t just any figures. The Schaukelnde Mädchen, or Swinging Girls, mark a tranquil zone. They offer respite from the hustle of daily life. Look at them closely. The sculpture depicts two girls on a swing.
One girl sits. She leans far back. Her body is stretched. The other stands. She balances on the seat. She arches in the opposite direction. The swing’s ropes reach high. They create dynamic lines. The lines form from the girls’ bodies. Arms and legs intertwine with the ropes. Together, they express lightness. They open upwards.
Gerhard Brandes was born in Frankfurt an der Oder. That was on July 7, 1923. He studied art in Berlin. He also studied in Vienna. Then, from 1945 to 1949, he was at the Hamburg University of Fine Arts. He studied sculpture there. His teachers were Edwin Scharff and Gerhard Marcks. After World War II, he settled in Hamburg-Blankenese.
Brandes began as a freelance artist in 1950. In the early 1960s, he made many bronze sculptures. He also made copper sculptures. These often featured figures in everyday settings. Later, he created group configurations. These sculptures were displayed in public spaces. They appeared in Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein. In 1976, Brandes became a lecturer. He taught at the Hamburg University of Applied Sciences. He was also a member of the Professional Association of Visual Artists. Gerhard Brandes passed away on July 10, 2013. He died in Hamburg Groß-Flottbek.
The Schaukelnde Mädchen is more than art. It is a celebration of youth. The sculpture captures a fleeting moment. It reminds us of freedom. It invites viewers to relish life’s simple pleasures. The Schaukelnde Mädchen remains a beloved landmark. It enhances the space around Berliner Platz. It embodies Hamburg’s artistic spirit. It speaks to the joy found in shared experiences. So next time you’re near, let the Schaukelnde Mädchen remind you. Embrace the moment. Embrace the joy.