A fin emerges unexpectedly from the urban landscape. The Walfisch Sculpture stands as a thought-provoking piece of art in Berlin. It sparks conversation and reflection.
The Walfisch Sculpture may initially appear as a simple steel structure. It represents a complex narrative about art. It is a representation of a humpback whale by Israeli artist Gil Shachar. This sculpture made its debut in an unexpected location, a church.
Let’s dive into the story of this unusual artwork. Shachar embarked on an ambitious project in 2013. It involved years of research and collaboration with the South African Department of Environmental Affairs. His goal was to mold a deceased humpback whale.
Imagine the challenges of such an undertaking. Shachar assembled a dedicated team ready to respond at a moment’s notice. They waited for the discovery of a suitable whale carcass. After two years, their opportunity arose in Lamberts Bay in August 2018. A beached whale was found lying on its back. Permission was granted to use it for the art project.
The team worked tirelessly to prepare the whale for molding. They removed sand and erected a temporary fence. This protected the animal from the tide. The molding process began with layers of gelcoat and glass-fibre reinforced polyester resin. In just two and a half days, the mold was complete. Metal hooks were placed at the joints. This allowed for easier reassembly later.
The whale sculpture was completed in Cape Town over three months. It was then shipped to Germany. Stephan Berg from the Kunstmuseum Bonn describes the process as exhausting and laborious. He notes the contrast between the effort involved and the sculpture’s final appearance.
The Walfisch Sculpture is impressive in size alone. It measures fourteen meters long. From a normal viewing position, it cannot be fully overlooked. Approaching the colossus at eye level, it becomes a mountain range. One can only circle it but not grasp it in a single glance. Only gradually does the abstract sculpture transform into the body of the largest mammal on earth.
The encounter with the Walfisch Sculpture is overwhelming. The abstract becomes an emotional experience. The closer you get to this body, the less you can avoid its corporeality. The sculpture also reminds us how we treat our earth. It connects to myths spun around whales.
Gallery owner Semjon H.N. Semjon recognized the Schinkel Church of St. Elisabeth as the ideal location. The proportions of the architecture and the whale are harmonious. The tragic history of the place reflects the whale’s resurrection as a work of art. The Walfisch Sculpture becomes an ambassador for the battered creature.
The sacred place becomes an open house. It offers a space for reflection during challenging times. The Walfisch Sculpture encourages visitors to contemplate our relationship with nature. It also prompts reflection on our collective memory.
The Walfisch Sculpture stands as a testament to artistic vision. It also represents dedication and environmental awareness. As you stand before this impressive artwork, consider its journey. Think about the message it conveys about our planet.