Granite whispers tales untold. Let me introduce you to Matt Mullican’s “Skulptur für die chemischen Institute Sculpture”. It is an artwork that bridges culture and science.
This sculpture resides in Münster. It is nestled in the green space between Wilhelm-Klemm-Straße 6 and 8, and Corrensstraße 40. You can access it via Corrensstraße 40.
The Skulptur Projekte Münster, an exhibition held every ten years, included this artwork in 1987. Since then, the city has embraced it. Now, let’s delve into the details of this unique piece.
“Ohne Titel (Skulptur für die chemischen Institute)” translates to “Untitled (Sculpture for the Chemical Institutes)”. The name itself hints at its purpose.
Matt Mullican created this ground relief in 1987. It comprises 35 black sandblasted granite slabs. Each slab measures 150 x 150 cm. These are arranged in a 7 x 5 grid. The total size is 1050 x 750 cm.
Originally, the sculpture was located between the chemical institutes. Due to construction, it was moved to the Pharmacampus courtyard.
In October 2021, the restored sculpture was inaugurated at its new location. The restoration took place in the Lichthof of the LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur. The public could view the process. Weathering damage was deliberately integrated. The sculpture’s history remains visible.
Rector Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels and Dean Prof. Dr. Joachim Jose spoke at the inauguration. Dr. Eckehard Kluth highlighted the artwork’s special features and symbolism.
The sculpture creates a bridge. It combines cultural and scientific achievements in its symbolism. It depicts simple pictograms of building infrastructure. You can also identify traffic and gastronomy symbols. The sculpture includes symbolic representations of animals and plants. Chemical apparatuses and mathematical symbols are also present.
The artwork thematically fits its new location. It was originally designed for the chemical institutes. Now, it enhances the Pharmacampus courtyard.
The LWL-Museum für Kunst und Kultur owns the sculpture. It is freely accessible to the public. You can visit it at Corrensstraße 48 in the courtyard.
Brillux funded the restoration and relocation. The Skulptur für die chemischen Institute Sculpture stands as a testament. It embodies Münster’s commitment to public art. It showcases the interplay between art and science.