High above the Musik und Kongresshalle in Lubeck three figures stand. They are part of Thomas Schutte’s Die Fremden. This permanent installation is more than just a sculpture. It’s a powerful statement about refugees. It speaks of displacement and hope.
Commissioned for documenta 9 in Kassel in 1992 the artwork was inspired by the Gulf War. The Lubeck section was a gift. The Possehl Foundation gifted it to the city. They wanted to bring art into public spaces. The figures aren’t just decorative. They’re made of glazed terracotta. Each weighs up to 300 kilograms. They are almost 2 meters tall.
Look closely at these silent figures. Their downcast eyes seem to observe the city below. They are literally above the everyday hustle. They stand apart yet they turn towards the old town. Their closed eyes suggest an inward journey. A preparation for a new life. Despite their isolation they convey peace and dignity. They represent the richness of culture and traditions. Traditions refugees carry with them. Traditions they hope to share.
The contrast is striking. The colorful figures against the austere architecture. The historic brick buildings opposite form a triad. It’s a visual story. A story of contrasts. A story of hope amid hardship.
Die Fremden reminds us. It reminds us of the human cost of conflict. It reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit. It’s more than a sculpture. It’s a powerful symbol. A symbol of hope in Lubeck. It is a symbol of hope for the future.