Two steel beams stand tall. They form a right angle a vibrant splash of red blue and yellow against the Berlin sky. This is Stele III a striking sculpture you see before you.
Created between 1981 and 1983 by Frank Badur Stele III stands as a silent sentinel. It marks the presence of the Georg-Schlesinger-Schule a vocational school for industrial metal trades. The school itself was built in 1982 combining several pre-existing institutions. It was later renamed in 2004 to honor the engineer Georg Schlesinger. Badur received a direct commission for two steles Stele III and its companion Stele II.
Originally Stele III stood on a small mosaic tile area. The tiles were red and anthracite grey a graphic design by Vera Krickhahn. Over time however Stele III was moved. The original paving stones remain. They are faded almost invisible now. Around the year 2000 Stele III found its new home within a planted area. The vibrant paint job you see is a later addition. Its exact date is unknown. The paint application is rather amateurish. Sadly the sculpture is also marred by dirt and graffiti. It could certainly benefit from a good cleaning.
Stele III is more than just steel and paint. It’s a piece of Berlin’s history. It reflects the city’s evolution its industrial past and its commitment to art in public spaces. It is a quiet witness to the changing landscape of the neighborhood a testament to the enduring power of art. Look closely. Notice the way the steel beams are partially notched. Observe the bold colors. Stele III is a bold statement a silent conversation between artist city and viewer. Let Stele III’s vibrant colors and simple lines speak to you. What story do you see in this bold Berlin artwork?