"DU GEHST. DAS BLEIT" - WASTA PROJECT. Amsterdamer Straße  - Köln (DE)

Ferdinand F. Wallraf (1835–1913) was a German scholar, priest and collector who saved countless works of art from destruction during the French occupation. On his death, he donated his entire vast collection to the city of Cologne, which led to the founding of what is now the Wallraf-Richartz Museum.

Their funerary engravings inspire the proposal for this competition-festival dedicated to him. By delving into the instinct that leads people to write things on walls, here I establish a relationship between writing on tombs and graffiti. ‘Du gehst ... Das bleibt’ (you go... It stays). The phrase refers to preserving something when we are no longer there. When we are gone, our trace remains. Apart from the aesthetic aspect, epitaphs and graffiti are two forms with which we record our presence in this world.

The proposal won first prize upon being selected for implementation, as well as a special prize awarded by Sparkasse, distinguishing it as one of the 10 projects carried out in the city. Thanks to all the friends who helped or sent their tags, to the curator Antonia Gruber and collaborators of @wasta_projekt for their help, and to the project director Gabriella Cianci. Also thanks to the great Martha Cooper for her reporting and her presence!

Location: Cologne (GER)

Dimensions: 45 x 6 m

Commisioner: Universität zu Köln & Sparkasse