Freiburg’s Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin holds secrets in plain sight. Namely the Zwei Wandreliefs. These concrete artworks from 1961 are by Walter Schelenz. This name may not ring a bell now but he was a local artist. His work shaped Freiburg’s cityscape.
The Zwei Wandreliefs grace the outside wall of the lecture hall. They offer a glimpse into the past. It is a time when art was integrated into architecture. Schelenz’s work is not just decoration. It is a statement. It reflects the optimism of a city rebuilding after World War II. Freiburg was heavily bombed. The city was trying to find a new identity.
Walter Schelenz was born in 1923. He died in 2015. He left behind a significant body of work. His sculptures and reliefs appear throughout Freiburg. Schelenz used different materials. Concrete was one of his favorites. He liked its raw and honest quality. It allowed him to create large-scale works. These works still have a powerful impact.
These Zwei Wandreliefs are more than just concrete. They are visual stories. They tell of health. They tell of hope. They tell of the future. The artist captured the essence of childhood. He captured healing in a modern style. The lecture hall was intended for medical students. The reliefs were intended to inspire compassion.
Freiburg is known as one of the “greenest” cities in Germany. It has a relaxed lifestyle. It has a high quality of life. Freiburg is attractive to both citizens and visitors. The city was established in 1120. It was a free market town. It connected the Mediterranean Sea with the North Sea and Baltic Sea.
The details of Zwei Wandreliefs are subtle. The texture of the concrete is rough. This contrasts with the smooth forms of the figures. Look closely. Find the small details. These details bring the artwork to life. The reliefs change with the light. Sunlight creates shadows. These shadows emphasize the depth and form.
Walter Schelenz created the Zwei Wandreliefs to harmonize. They are in harmony with the building’s architecture. The reliefs are not separate. They are an integral part of the structure. This is an example of good art. It enhances its surroundings.
Consider the location. The Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin cares for young patients. The Zwei Wandreliefs greet them. They greet their families. The art offers comfort. It offers distraction. It offers a sense of normalcy in a challenging environment.
The Zwei Wandreliefs in Freiburg are worth seeing. They are a reminder of art’s ability to heal and inspire. They celebrate Freiburg’s rich cultural heritage. They show the work of Walter Schelenz. They connect us to the past. They inspire hope for the future. The Zwei Wandreliefs are a gem. They show Freiburg’s artistic soul.