Imagine sheets of steel unfurling toward the sky. This is the Aufgeblätterter Pfeiler Sculpture in Dortmund. Have you ever seen art that seems to defy gravity?
The Aufgeblätterter Pfeiler Sculpture stands as a testament to Dortmund’s artistic spirit. It embodies the city’s blend of industrial heritage and cultural innovation. This sculpture isn’t just metal; it’s a story told in steel.
The Aufgeblätterter Pfeiler Sculpture was created in 1973. The artwork was made by Team H. Heckemüller, T. Uhlmann, A. Finke and W. Fräger. It’s a collaborative masterpiece. The sculpture reaches a height of 4 meters. Its steel form is a prominent landmark.
Horst Heckemüller was born in Dortmund in 1926. He grew up in the northern part of the city. Heckemüller studied at the Schule für Bildende und angewandte Kunst in Dortmund with Professor Tombrock. He later went to the Staatliche Hochschule für Baukunst und Bildende Künste in Weimar. In 1951, he studied at the Staatlichen Hochschule in Berlin. His focus was on stage design, costume design, and theater studies.
In 1953, Heckemüller worked as an assistant to Bertolt Brecht. This was at the Berliner Volksbühne. He spent nearly two years as a stage designer in Stockholm. There he met Nelly Sachs. Heckemüller co-founded the Dortmunder Künstlerbund and the Bundesverband Bildender Künstler. He became a lecturer at the Dortmunder Werkkunstschule in 1963. He taught basic design principles and lithography. From 1968, Heckemüller received commissions for art in architecture. He participated in several competitions. In 1973, he was appointed professor of object design. This followed the Werkkunstschule’s integration into the FH as the Department of Design in 1971. He became Dean of the Department in 1982. Heckemüller returned for teaching assignments after retirement. He continued working as a freelance artist. He focused on painting and graphic arts. Heckemüller participated in Adolf Winkelmann’s film projects. He also wrote art theory texts. Professor Horst Heckemüller died in France in 2006. He had a studio there since 1989. He was married to the artist Helga Heckemüller.
Theo Uhlmann was born on March 6, 1932, in Südkirchen. He first completed an apprenticeship as a wood and stone sculptor. He then passed his master’s examination. In 1953, he moved to Dortmund and studied at the Werkkunstschule. Karel Niestrath taught him. He collaborated on the Antifaschistisches Mahnmal in der Bittermark. This started in 1954. His sculptures were initially geometric and abstract. In the 1980s, he turned to the human figure. In 1964, Theo Uhlmann took on a teaching position. This was at the Werkkunstschule Dortmund. Ten years later, he was appointed professor. Besides his sculpture and teaching, Uhlmann was involved in Dortmund’s political life. He was chairman of the Kulturausschuss. He was also deputy chairman and Verwaltungsratsvorsitzender. Uhlmann was Bundesvorsitzender of the Bundesverband Bildender Künstler. Theo Uhlmann died on April 28, 2001.
The Aufgeblätterter Pfeiler Sculpture is more than just an artwork. It’s a symbol of Dortmund’s resilience. It represents the city’s ability to transform and innovate. The steel sheets reach upward. They reflect the dreams and aspirations of its people.
Stand here for a moment longer. Feel the weight of the steel and the lightness of its form. The Aufgeblätterter Pfeiler Sculpture invites you to reflect on Dortmund’s past and future.