Today I’d like to take you on a little journey that will take me back to a very special spot in the Ruhr area - more precisely to Oberhausen (Germany), very close to the big Gasometer. In that place there is sculpture which has fascinated me: the "Sorcerer's Apprentice." And I have brought you a few photos of this curious spectacle!
When you see the sculpture for the first time you are genuinely surprised. In the middle of a meadow, in close proximity to the Rhine-Herne Canal, stands a power pole reaching toward the sky. But its not an ordinary power pole. This one is out of kilter, twisted gnarled, and stretched as though it was involved in some complicated graceful dance. I sometimes think it looks like it has flung out its arms and surrendered to the landscape instead of simply carrying out its necessary working function!
That is precisely the brilliant concept! The sculpture is by the Berlin artist group "inges idee" and is a monumental steel structure measuring 35 meters high. The "Sorcerer's Apprentice" is initially developed for Emscherkunst 2013, and is now an integral component of the Emscherkunstweg, originally commissioned by the artists to provide a twisted interpretation of a familiar power pole, uncomfortable with the nature of helping its community easy, to learn. If some might say funny, to give life to the power pole.
The title, "Sorcerer's Apprentice," is so apt, because it references Goethe's ballad about things getting out of hand and having a life of their own. This pole appears to have escaped its purpose, even taken on a form almost human, full of energy, and for all practical purposes, it has pretty much electrified itself!
For me, the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" is a great example of how art and shift our view of the most mundane of things. It also shows that even in an industrial landscape like the Ruhr area, there can be surprises, world, and a unique form of beauty. It has become a proper memorial, which I have enjoyed photographing.
I hope you enjoyed this little invitation to the "dancing power pole's" world. After all, sometimes a 'close-up,' a little curiosity and the stories behind things can be worthwhile.
Have a wonderful start to the week!🙃✌️
