Gestern Heute Morgen – Empathie Stele

Did you ever wonder how art can express complex emotions like empathy? Here, before the Gestern Heute Morgen – Empathie Stele, that question takes on a powerful meaning. This sculpture, part of a larger project by the artist group SCHAUM, isn’t just a standalone piece. It’s one of six memorials created to commemorate the tragic events of Rostock-Lichtenhagen in 1992. Gestern Heute Morgen – Empathie Stele, meaning Yesterday Today Tomorrow – Empathy Stele, was specifically created in 2018. It was added to the existing collection in response to an initiative by the Waldemar Hof association. The sculpture depicts the imprint of two figures embracing, a simple yet powerful image of human connection. Visitors are invited to step into the embrace, to physically embody the act of empathy. The Gestern Heute Morgen project as a whole aims to encourage reflection on the pogrom and its societal implications. Each of the six installations explores different facets of the tragedy, from politics to media involvement. The Gestern Heute Morgen – Empathie Stele specifically focuses on empathy and the possibility of positive human interaction. It serves as a poignant reminder of the victims and a call for a more tolerant future. The smooth, white marble of the Gestern Heute Morgen – Empathie Stele stands in stark contrast to the violence it represents. It invites quiet contemplation. It fosters a sense of shared humanity. This sculpture embodies hope for a future where empathy prevails, where understanding bridges divides, and where such tragic events are never repeated.