Claudia Plank
:
Viktor-Adler-Platz in Hainfeld
Back
Information
The two-part concept by the artist duo for the redesign of the public square envisaged the erection of a figurative sculpture as a symbol for democratic ideals, and to dispense a publication that related the history of the Social Democratic movement in Austria from a slot-machine. The project was not realised.
The artist duo Claudia Plank and Hans Werner Poschauko proposed a two-part project for the redesign of Viktor-Adler-Platz in Hainfeld: a figurative sculpture as a symbol of democratic idealism, and a publication available in vending machines intended to outline the history of the Social Democrats in Austria. A well-known press photograph of an antiglobalisation activist served as the basis for the design of the gilded bronze sculpture. The raised hands refer to the common practise of using this democratic gesture to symbolise the peaceful intent of demonstrators. The life-sized figure stands on a ball, also gilded, depicting the positive contribution made by representatives of civil society on global issues. An additional hemisphere serves as a base for the sculpture, and was envisaged with red plastering or asphalt surfacing to match the design of the surrounding public square: The artists regard their project proposal as a "new urban monument" — an envisaged monument dedicated to modern representatives of a democratic movement. The historic allusion to the history of the Austrian Social Democratic Party, which was founded in Hainburg at the turn of 1888/89, was to be established by the artists in a publication with texts by individuals key to Social Democracy.
The project could not be realised.
(Hemma Schmutz)
