Stephan Balkenhol | Mann mit Hirsch

The sculpture by Stephan Balkenhol (b. 1957 in Fritzlar) was selected by a jury in conjunction with a limited competition. It was initiated and financed by KarstadtQuelle AG on the occasion of its anniversary and new building at the site. The surreal combination of predominantly seemingly detached persons with animals deliberately does not relate a narrative in Balkenhol’s works, allowing the piece to remain mysterious. As opposed to many other depictions of humans and animals, this one does not seem hierarchical; no control is taking place. The situation appears relaxed: it is a snapshot rather than a pose. The sculpture can thus also be read as an alternative equestrian statue that directly contrasts the representativity of historic precedents, for example the »Ernst August Monument« by Albert Wolff that was erected in front of the nearby main train station in 1861. Further work in Hannover: »Mann mit weißem Hemd und schwarzer Hose« [Mann with White Shirt and Black Trousers] on Georgsplatz (see »Art in the City 4«). » Location: Andreaeplatz/ Schillerstraße