Joyfully greeting visitors to Kappel, Die Sammlerin stands tall. She sparks contemplation about our actions. This sculpture embodies our era’s spirit reflecting both consumerism and environmental consciousness.
Die Sammlerin is a sculpture by Thomas Rees. It is found in the back of the Kappler valley. The sculpture is part of the Themenweg Lebensraum Kappel. This themed path explores humanity, time, and earth within the Black Forest. The Black Forest is a UNESCO natural heritage site. Die Sammlerin represents a mindful, appreciative, sustainable approach to life.
Look closely. Die Sammlerin is large and stooped. She has a wide-brimmed pointed hat and a broad grin. She goes barefoot. She is happy and successful as you can see. She gathers bottles, cans, and various bits of junk. Even a shopping cart is there. It is repurposed as a backpack. It is strapped to her back for rough terrain. The cart is filled with valuable loot found nearby.
But her joy also shows us something else. It shows the consumer behavior and waste in our throwaway world. This is often sadly paired with selfishness and indifference. Even our most beautiful places are not spared from the effects.
Die Sammlerin is made of oak wood. She is about 4.5 meters high. Her hat is made of sheet steel. A shopping cart is on her back. It is filled with bottles, cans and garbage from the area. The sculpture stands for a careful and appreciative use of things.
The increasing pollution is caused by changed consumption patterns. There is “flying food” from snack stands and material-intensive packaging. It is caused by a throwaway society. It is also because of a more careless handling of public property. This is due to changing conventions, social disintegration, or lack of social control.
Psychologists and environmental educators see a form of social criticism in littering. Littering is prohibited so it is a simple way to cross boundaries. Throwing something on the ground is a small provocation and a little dare. One feels like a hero. “I am rebelling against society with this simple action”. There is also group pressure. People who would never throw anything on the ground start to litter. They do not want to be seen as squares. Conformity pressure continues in crowds. Where something already lies on the ground more will be thrown. If a boundary is crossed it quickly becomes unrestrained.
Other sculptures on the theme path are Erderwärmung. There is also the Biosphärenteufel Baum der Erkenntnis. Anima Mundi, die Weltseele Coronus BIOS are also there. They represent the wonder of life. Besides Die Sammlerin, there is also Hexe von Kappel. Der schaffende Mensch and Homo Faber are other sculptures.
Die Sammlerin reminds us to reflect. She urges us to act responsibly toward our environment. She promotes respect for the planet’s resources. She embodies a call to action. She encourages thoughtful consumption. She is a symbol of environmental awareness. She stands as a powerful reminder in this beautiful landscape.