Werner Pokorny’s steel sculptures ‘Turm VI’ (2016) and ‘Turm VII’ (2013) make a striking impression on the forecourt of Singen railway station. Pokorny’s central motif – the house – has permeated his work since the 1980s in a wide variety of forms: from massive cubes and gate-like passageways to almost two-dimensional, contouring symbols. It symbolises security, a sense of safety and the human longing for refuge, whilst at the same time pointing to the fragility of our existence.
The two tower sculptures stand on the raised plinths of the roundabouts and engage in a dynamic dialogue with passers-by. Through their stacked, slightly twisted forms, the sculptures exude energy, draw the eye and transform the bustling urban space into an artistic experience. At the same time, they connect the two roundabouts both visually and symbolically, thereby integrating harmoniously into the urban environment.
Pokorny’s work showcases the full range of his ‘house’ motif: compact, solid forms alternate with suggested, abstract shapes. These variations offer the viewer different levels of perception – from the concrete object to the abstract symbol. Through their patina, the Corten steel sculptures develop a warm colouring that blends with their surroundings and undergoes a natural ageing process over the years.
The towers are a prime example of Pokorny’s approach to bringing public space to life through artistic interventions. They create sensory experiences, encourage engagement with space and movement, and transform the city centre into a place where art is visible, tangible and accessible to all.
