Hidden on Moritzstrasse lies a place where metal sings and colors dance. That place is Atelier Rolf Lindner. Here, Rolf Lindner’s story unfolds not just in metal and enamel but in the very air around us. Rolf Lindner was born in Ichtershausen, Thuringia in 1946. He embarked on his artistic journey. He apprenticed as a goldsmith from 1965 to 1967.
Rolf Lindner honed his skills at the Fachschule fuer angewandte Kunst Heiligendamm from 1969 to 1972. He specialized in jewelry, enamel, and metalwork. 1973 proved to be a pivotal year for Rolf Lindner. He gained membership in the Verband Bildender Kuenstler der DDR. From 1973 to 1977, he worked in the PGH Erfurt-Schmuck. Then in 1976, he passed his master’s examination in goldsmithing. Since 1977, Rolf Lindner has been a freelance artist in Erfurt. In 1995, he received a grant from the Stiftung Kulturfonds.
Since 1984, Rolf Lindner has co-initiated and organized the Erfurter Schmucksymposien. Since 1990, he has led national and international workshops. These workshops were held in Cologne, Braunwald, Switzerland and Erfurt. Rolf Lindner’s work earned recognition early on. In 1983, he received a diploma at the III. Quadriennale des Kunsthandwerks soz. Laender in Erfurt. In 1987, he received recognition at the 8th International Bijouterieausstellung in Jablonec, CSSR.
Let your eyes wander over the diverse array of creations. Consider that Rolf Lindner’s atelier is more than a workshop. It is a canvas where he expresses his innermost self through unconventional materials. Rolf Lindner draws inspiration from the national and international art scene. This has allowed him to create his own unique artistic world. His art reflects decades of grappling with life. This is evident in every piece of jewelry and object.
Rolf Lindner’s influence extends beyond his atelier. He is known for architecture-related artworks in public spaces. These include wall designs in Erfurt’s IHK. Also, enamel images grace Ilmenau’s town hall. An altar and ambo adorn the chapel at Klinikum Erfurt. The Friedhofsfeierhalle in Arnstadt features a complex interior design. The Technische Universitaet Ilmenau has wall designs by Rolf Lindner too.
Pause for a moment. Think about the “ERDE” project in Erfurt’s Domplatz underground parking. Consider the “WASSER” project on the Rieth pedestrian bridge. Envision the “LUFT” project at Erfurt Airport’s reception building. Feel the “FEUER” project at the Iderhoffstrasse heating plant.
Rolf Lindner’s artistry is on display in Erfurt’s Predigerkirche with his Leuchterplastik. The Senioren- und Pflegeheim in Erfurt showcases his “Die fuenf Sinne” enamel murals. His enamel images also adorn the Thueringer Ministerium fuer Wissenschaft, Forschung und Kunst. The Berufsbildungszentrum der Handwerkskammer in Erfurt features a plastic ensemble.
Rolf Lindner didn’t just create art. From the mid-1970s, the Lindners hosted discussion rounds, exhibitions and artistic events. This happened first in their small apartment. Later it happened in their house on Moritzstrasse. Since 1978, the Lindners celebrated an annual “Fest der Collage”. Thirty to forty friends created collages or assemblages for the event. The works remained on display for weeks. Since 1982, a monthly “Jour fixe” with lectures and concerts became a fixture in the city’s alternative culture. Events in their spacious garden showcased bands, fashion groups, photographers, and filmmakers.
As you move on, remember Rolf Lindner. He shaped Erfurt’s art scene and left his mark on the world. His works are displayed in museums such as SMPK Berlin, Kunstgewerbemuseum Koepenick, Angermuseum Erfurt, Grassimuseum Leipzig, Universitaetsmuseum Marburg and Schmuckmuseum Pforzheim.