Holzvulva in Ruderatshofen: Mayor saves controversial work of art!

Holzvulva in Ruderatshofen: Mayor saves controversial work of art!

In the Bavarian community of Ruderatshofen, a work of art causes a sensation and controversy. The Holzvulva, which was set up in public space, was removed from the Ostallgäu district office last Friday. The district office originally planned to process the work of art into firewood, but Mayor Johann Stich made it clear that the vulva was handed over to the care of the community and should not be destroyed. "The vulva is part of the discussion about art in public space, and it should not be destroyed," said Stich in an interview.

After the artwork was removed, it was stored in the building yard of the community. The owner of the vulva now has the opportunity to report to the municipal administration to pick it up. The district also plans to invoice the list of transport costs, since the listing of the vulva was assessed as illegal. As part of the procedure, after a retention period of six months, the Vulva could be offered to auction.

art in public space

The case of the Holzvulva raises important questions about the position of art in public space. According to information from the city of Dresden, contemporary art is a central part of democratic culture. It promotes identification with urban space and stimulates a broad social value debate. For this reason, art is not only an aesthetic, but also a social medium that enables cultural participation for many people.

Initiatives that install contemporary art in urban space are looking for places of social life and rain to participate in the event of questions of urban development. They create friction areas in everyday life and offer the opportunity to activate urban discussions. These aspects are particularly relevant in looking at the Holzvulva and the reactions that the artwork produced.

The district has the option of requesting the elimination of the artwork and could thus charge the interferer. Nevertheless, Mayor Stich emphasizes that the vulva should never be torn down or destroyed. This position indicates a growing awareness of the importance of art and its role in public space, as the city of Dresden emphasizes in its cultural programs.