"The Golden Apples" by Ilya Kabakov

The walk-through installation “The Golden Apples” (2000) by the internationally renowned conceptual artist Ilya Kabakov, located on Aachinsel in Singen’s City Park, is an outstanding example of site-specific art. Kabakov created the work as part of the State Garden Show and introduced the concept of the “scattered installation” for the first time: Various elements are distributed throughout the space so that the viewer cannot take in the entire composition at a single glance.

The installation combines poetic symbolism, interactive elements, and integration into the landscape. Scattered golden apples and a wicker basket invite visitors to approach the artwork and explore the objects in a playful manner. Three male figures, seemingly tossing the apples down from the treetops, lend the scene a narrative twist that is both enigmatic and humorous. Thematically, the work references both the ancient legend of the Judgment of Paris and the biblical story of the Fall of Man, placing temptation, seduction, and the gods’ interplay with humanity at the center.

Kabakov’s maxim is: “The function of contemporary art is to pose riddles and stimulate engagement.” In the installation, visitors become active participants within a total work of art that encompasses not only the sculptural interventions but also the surrounding landscape, the use of the site, and the poetic aura of the Aachinsel. The previously unremarkable natural setting is thus transformed into a cultural venue full of atmosphere, emotion, and interaction.

Visitors experience scenic beauty, enigmatic symbolism, and interactive art all at once: the installation encourages reflection, a smile, and active engagement. “The Golden Apples” is thus a unique cultural highlight in Singen that combines art, nature, and history in a special way.