“Is that father and son?” This sculpture is one of Christoph Pöggeler’s famous “Säulenheilige” in Düsseldorf. Since 2001, the artist has presented these realistic, life-sized sculptures on advertising pillars in the urban area.
Christoph Pöggeler, born in 1958, is well-known for his unique visual aesthetic. He received the Rhineland Art Prize for his work. Pöggeler represents a contemporary realism that goes beyond the superficial. His graphics surprise and sometimes irritate viewers. They appear to be on a wooden surface. This gives his works an extraordinary atmosphere.
As a sculptor, Christoph Pöggeler has made a name for himself. His “Säulenheilige” project features everyday people in public spaces. These realistic sculptures depict various members of our society on advertising pillars. Taken from their daily lives, they stand on poster columns. People become visible as individuals. They also refer to specific social groups. Examples are children, business people, homeless people, and strangers.
Currently, there are eight “Säulenheilige” sculptures. Most of them are in Düsseldorf’s city center. This project is ongoing and will feature more figures. Future themes include “Bride,” “Child,” “Teenagers,” and “Homeless.”
The “Vater und Sohn” sculpture is located on Oststraße near the Franziskaner Monastery. These figures are mounted on advertising pillars. The photographer Michael Schilling captured this artwork in 2014.
Christoph Pöggeler also created smaller versions of these sculptures. These are available for private spaces. One example is a sculpture of two people hugging and kissing. It symbolizes deep tenderness and is placed on a advertising pillar. This smaller sculpture is a counterpart to a life-sized sculpture in Düsseldorf. It is located at the foot of the Oberkasseler Bridge, next to the Tonhalle. The sculpture embodies affection.
Christoph Pöggeler’s sculptures make people stop and think. They add a unique element to Düsseldorf’s urban landscape. Each sculpture tells a silent story. The “Säulenheilige – Vater und Sohn” invites us to reflect on family. It reminds us of the everyday people around us.