Jakob Nickels wins Lyonel Art Prize for impressive installation!

Jakob Nickels wins Lyonel Art Prize for impressive installation!

Weimar, Deutschland - July 14, 2025 is a day full of creative flights of height and security policy tensions in Weimar. Not only that Jakob Nickels, graduate of the Bauhaus University, today for his thesis "Gentle Strength" with the Lyonel Kunst Prize, but also awarded the City itself is the focus of attention, after a march of about 275 people from the right spectrum that took place in Apolda.

nickels ’installation thematizes with an exciting combination of analog and digital media power structures and visual strategies. In his work he plays with the fictional figure "1305" and interwoves elements from pop culture, esotericism and art history into a multimedia memory. In particular, the jury praised the contemporary reflection on social issues and dealing with art in autocratic times. Radiolotte emphasizes that the Lyonel is endowed with 2,000 euros and is awarded by Lyonel e.V.

A look at the art scene

The final thesis by Nickels was exhibited during the 2025 Summaery and impressively shows how contemporary artists can juggle with old and new media. In a group exhibition that took place on July 12th and 13th, 2025, his work was curated by the student initiative "Brand.6". Particular attention was paid to the reflection of the waiting period and the process that goes hand in hand with his art.

In a completely different context, graffiti ensures discussion in the city. Unknowns have smeared the facade of the Liszt house with an approximately four meter long lettering, which results in the loss of around 500 euros. This incident falls into a broader debate about graffiti, which is seen as an expression of artistic freedom or vandalism. Experts shed light on the socialist reactions and the cultural importance of this art form, which is often found in urban spaces here .

In market research, it can be seen that graffiti is often perceived as a negative impact on real estate values, but there are also voices that see a form of cultural expression in graffiti. Especially in cities like Weimar, the discussion about urban aesthetics and acceptance of graffiti in society increases.

political tensions in the region

On Saturday there was a march of around 275 people from the right milieu in Apolda, organized by the youth organization of the party "Die Homel". The protesting protesting, about 100 people, which is peaceful, demanded a sign of tolerance and diversity in the region. According to the police reports, these two events went without any significant incidents, but the tensions in the region are noticeable.

Thus today shows in different ways how art and social challenges are closely interwoven. The creative energy of artists such as Jakob Nickels stands in a strong contrast to the political unrest and the ongoing discourse on graffiti, which is recognized both as an art form and as property damage. The Weimar art scene remains excited to see how these topics develop.