Five young faces gaze out from a vibrant mural. This is Wovon wir träumen. It’s a large-scale print adorning the Georg Forster Building at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz. The artwork is a powerful statement. It reflects the university’s mission. The mural embodies the dreams and aspirations of students.
Created by artist Silvia Willkens in 2019 the mural is more than just decoration. It’s a thoughtful reflection on the university’s intellectual purpose. The design is striking. Five figures are arranged in segments. This represents individual worlds within a larger community. The figures seem randomly assembled. They are a collage of individual dreams and expectations. However there are overlaps. These show where personal lives intersect with shared experiences.
Each face is simple yet expressive. They are without special attributes. Their gazes are the focal point. They are a metaphor for the ongoing challenge of balancing individual aspirations. They also represent the desire to integrate personal dreams into the wider societal context. Willkens calls her works collective portraits. They evoke memories of people from different eras and cultures. Each face contains its own universe. Each gaze is a personal journey into space.
The mural’s creation involved a significant effort. Professor Dr Elisabeth Gateff spearheaded the project. She is a major benefactor of the university. The mural is a large print. It’s based on an original painting. This painting was also donated to the university by Heidrun Feine. The original hangs in the Mainz University Library. The 2.5 meters by 7 meters print is meant to inspire. It is meant to provoke reflection among students faculty and visitors alike. It is a testament to the ongoing dialogue between individual expression and communal interaction.
Wovon wir träumen is a captivating piece. It encourages contemplation. It adds to the aesthetic appeal of the campus. The mural is a visual reminder of the power of dreams and the importance of community. It’s a fitting addition to this vibrant university environment. It’s a piece that deserves careful consideration and appreciation. So take a moment to absorb the artistry. Let the dreams of these five figures inspire your own.