Masken-Stele Sculpture

Carved into the very soul of Farmsen-Berne, the Masken-Stele stands as a silent sentinel. It whispers stories of a community’s artistic spirit. Here, nestled in the green expanse northeast of Busbrookhöhe 31/33, within the Birckholzweg settlement, the Masken-Stele awaits. The Masken-Stele isn’t just a sculpture. It’s a testament to the vision of its creator, Uwe-York Schlüter. This Hamburg-based artist, a resident of Birckholzweg himself, poured his heart into this unique piece. Constructed in 1983 from lightweight concrete, also known as Ytong, the Masken-Stele possesses a certain ethereal quality. Its cubic form, adorned with intricately carved masks, stands as a stark contrast to the surrounding residential buildings. The masks, painted with vibrant hues, seem to watch the world go by. Schlüter, a member of the “Pro Quartier” group, likely created the Masken-Stele as part of a social project. Interestingly, it wasn’t acquired through the “Kunst am Bau” program. This suggests a more personal, community-driven initiative. The Birckholzweg settlement itself has a story to tell. Built between 1957 and 1968, it’s a mix of four- and five-story row houses, single-family homes, and a few high-rise buildings. Most of the apartments are owned by SAGA, a Hamburg-based housing association. Schluter’s artistic touch graces this settlement in more ways than one. In fact, two other works by him reside within this community. The Masken-Stele stands among them as a unique expression of his artistic vision. The Masken-Stele reminds us of the power of art to enrich our lives and connect us to the places we call home. It stands as a unique landmark. It is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of a community and its artists.