Behold the Mermaid of Hamburg. Or rather behold what some call a mermaid. This isn’t your typical fairytale creature. It’s a giant woman a twelve-foot-tall bathing beauty. She’s made of styrofoam and steel stabilized with sandbags and buoys. Her head and knees poke from the Alster Lake.
Artist Oliver Voss created this unusual artwork. He wanted to give something back to the city he loves. He also hoped to spark conversation. His giant nymph as he calls her was meant to encourage a new way of experiencing the lake. The sculpture promotes Hamburg’s creative spirit. Voss is an advertising executive and head of the Miami Ad School. A cosmetics company even sponsored the project.
The sculpture’s placement wasn’t without controversy. Some considered it an eyesore. District mayor Markus Schreiber worried the art was sullying the beloved lake. The project faced delays due to technical problems. There were fears the sculpture might sink. The installation was delayed for two days. Eventually it became a topic of conversation. Tourists even rented rowboats to get a closer look.
Initially many felt it was a superfluous spectacle. Others thought it held an environmental message. One person commented that like the blonde woman in the water they should one day be able to swim in the Alster again. The sculpture’s presence inspired people to experience the Inner Alster differently. It became a unique landmark in the heart of the city a conversation starter. It’s a reminder that art can be unexpected. Art can also be a fun and entertaining way to celebrate a city.
The Mermaid of Hamburg. She might not be a traditional mermaid. However she’s certainly left a lasting impression on Hamburg and its visitors. A truly unforgettable encounter.