“Include Sustain Love” these words are burned into a ceramic object. It sits at the heart of the Corona-Denkmal der Hoffnung. This isn’t just any monument. It stands as a testament to resilience. It’s a symbol of hope rising from the ashes of a pandemic.
Right here before you is the Corona-Denkmal der Hoffnung. This remarkable artwork is more than just wood and ceramic. It represents the extraordinary efforts of medical professionals. Researchers tirelessly worked during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their dedication deserves recognition. The monument is a heartfelt thank you for their work.
Commissioned by Martin and Gerda Essl it was created by the artist couple Emmerich Weissenberger and Nora Ruzsics. The sculpture stands five and a half meters tall. It is nearly three by three meters wide. It’s made from black pine trees. These trees were already dead in the Dunkelsteinerwald forest. The wood was carefully salvaged. Its use was both sustainable and respectful. The entire process was designed to be CO2-neutral. Old carpentry techniques were used. The swirling forms suggest an infinity symbol. The two loops represent the ups and downs of life. They reach towards the sky then gracefully fall back to earth.
The seven seals represent the cardinal virtues. They are adorned with leaf bronze. The sculpture is tactile. You can touch it and feel the texture. The smooth wood contrasts with the engraved earth lines. The artwork welcomes interaction. It invites contemplation. It’s a place of gathering and reflection. It’s meant to encourage the exchange of ideas. The monument stands as a lasting reminder of the pandemic. More importantly it honors those who fought to overcome it. Those who suffered and those who heroically saved lives.
The Corona-Denkmal der Hoffnung is more than a monument. It is a powerful symbol. It stands as a beacon of hope and gratitude. It’s a reminder of our shared experience. It’s a testament to human resilience. The sculpture isn’t just about the past. It speaks to the future too. It inspires us to strive for inclusivity sustainability and love. These values are essential for building a better world. A world where we are all connected. A world ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.