Sculptural Installation "Der junge Goethe" ["The Young Goethe"] in Wetzlar, 2024

100 serial, golden Goethe sculptures by the internationally renowned conceptual artist Ottmar Hörl form a highlight at the start of the 250th anniversary of Goethe's Werther in Wetzlar.

At the invitation of the Wetzlar Municipal Museums, Ottmar Hörl has been invited to develop a new temporary art installation as a reference to the young Goethe, which will transform the stairs at the Eisenmarkt in the old town into an identity-forming, communicative art showplace on the weekend of 8./9. June 2024. Thereby the anniversary is given additional presence and the young Goethe becomes literally "tangible". Hörl has respectfully implemented the poet as an upright, approximately 55 cm tall figure in a long frock coat. The young Goethe holds his famous epistolary novel in his hands and looks out into the world with an open mind and curiosity. 

The city celebrates the young Goethe with this art event. His time in Wetzlar and his unfulfilled love for Charlotte Buff were the occasion and autobiographical background for the novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther", published in 1774. As a provocative, socio-political key work of "Sturm und Drang" literature, it made the young poet instantly famous beyond German language borders and ultimately became a global success.

"Goethe revolutionised this form of novel, touching a particular nerve with his time as well as the attitude towards life of a young generation. "The Sorrows of Young Werther" still reminds us today of the impact and energy that can start from innovative concepts," emphasises Ottmar Hörl. Goethe's poetry and pioneering spirit still have a worldwide impact today.

From literature to sculpture, serial reproduction develops the idea that everyone can participate in culture. This corresponds to the basic idea of the democratic principle of equality. Visitors are invited to explore the poet and his work and develop their own thoughts. Rather than creating monuments, Hörl wants to create sustainable communicative events that reach and connect people. Hörl's sculptures have long been iconic. 

The installation is afterwards dissolved by the public, as the "displacement" from public to private space is part of the artisitic concept. Fans of Goethe have the opportunity to purchase a copy and take "their young Goethe" home. Therefore, they become ambassadors for Wetzlar and set an example for the cultural and historical heritage.

Text: Eva Schickler M.A.

Download flyer for the installation