Bernsteingewebe Sculpture

Sculpted against the Hamburg skyline, the Bernsteingewebe whispers stories of the city. This intriguing artwork, crafted by Almut Grypstra, isn’t your typical sculpture. The Bernsteingewebe sits serenely by the Westsee in Neuallermõhe. It emerged from a competition held by the Kommunikations- und Kunstverein Allermõhe. They sought to bring art into the public spaces of this district. Bernsteingewebe translates to “amber weaving,” a name that hints at its unique composition. The sculpture features a wave-like net of stainless steel rods. Strung along these rods are clear plastic spheres. These spheres hold found objects gathered from the streets of Neuallermõhe. Think discarded bottle caps, bits of packaging, and other everyday debris. These encased objects bring to mind ancient amber, preserving insects and other remnants of the past. This playful juxtaposition of precious materials and mundane objects adds a layer of intrigue to the Bernsteingewebe. It’s not preserving fossils, but rather the detritus of modern life. The Bernsteingewebe stands 150 cm high and stretches an impressive 500 cm long. Grypstra’s creation isn’t just a visual spectacle. It also carries a deeper meaning. The interwoven steel evokes the early history of Allermöhe, once home to a calico factory. The spheres, made of epoxy resin, are designed to yellow over time. This gradual transformation will make them resemble amber even more closely. The net-like structure also symbolizes fishing in the nearby lake. The Bernsteingewebe was purchased through the “Art in Public Spaces” program by KOKUS e.V. This five-meter-long artwork had a budget of 30,000 euros. It was part of KOKUS competition number 8, specifically for students of the HfbK Hamburg. KOKUS, short for Kommunikations-und Kunstverein Allermõhe, is a group of building contractors who developed housing in Neuallermõhe-West. Between 2003 and 2014, KOKUS e.V. commissioned 25 artworks through competitions. Today, 17 of these pieces remain in the public realm. The Bernsteingewebe remains a testament to the power of art to transform public spaces. It’s a captivating blend of history, symbolism, and a touch of whimsy. It invites you to reflect on the everyday treasures hidden within our urban landscapes.