Atop a wobbly buoy in Hamburg’s waters stands the Tubaspieler. He’s one of four. Artist Stephan Balkenhol created these oak sculptures in 1993. They are part of a series called Vier Männer auf Bojen or ‘four men on buoys’.
The Tubaspieler is a fascinating piece of public art. He’s a simple figure. He wears black trousers and a white shirt. He stands serenely on his unstable base. This seeming contradiction is intentional. Balkenhol wanted to show a tension. The sculpture bobs uncontrollably yet appears calm.
Each Tubaspieler is remarkable. He’s carved from a single oak trunk. The figure and base are one piece. Each sculpture is 2.4 meters high and weighs nine tons. They sit on buoys chained to anchors beneath the waves. From March to October you can find them bobbing gently in different locations. One is near the Elbe river. Another resides on the Outer Alster Lake.
The Tubaspieler’s expression is stoic. He’s almost anonymous. His lack of pose adds to his enigmatic nature. Balkenhol believes his sculptures hold secrets. It is up to the viewer to discover them. He himself says they do not tell stories. That is left to us. The Tubaspieler invites contemplation. He is a symbol of stillness within movement. He is a silent observer of Hamburg’s bustling life.
Every autumn the artist brings them back to their winter quarters. This allows for some upkeep. The sculptures are then placed back in their locations in the spring. So come back next year to see this intriguing figure. Enjoy the Tubaspieler’s unique charm. Let his quiet presence speak to you. Perhaps you will find your own story in him.