Graffiti project in the city centre Graffiti artists turn Bonner Loch into blue sky
Bonn · Young graffiti artists transformed the Bonner Loch in the city centre this weekend as part of an art campaign.
Those longing for clouds in the blue summer sky should spend some time in the square in front of the main train station. There has been a blue sky with white clouds there since the weekend, albeit on the ground. Eleven young artists have transformed the floor and walls of the Bonner Loch and the artworks are to stay until the square is demolished.
The art project is called Bonn Airhole because of the large central artwork. Part of the ground has been decorated with a three-dimensional effect picture. “We are spraying a large hole in the ground here,” explained Elmo van der Poel, one of the artists, “and when it’s finished, from a particular point it’s supposed to looks as if the ground is torn open and the sky is appearing behind it.” The correct view of the “Airhole” can be seen from the top end of the steps on the south side.
"Bonner Loch" often the first impression of Bonn
“Between ten and eleven of us are painting, but there are also lots of friends here helping us,” said van der Poel. “Two are filming our work, other have brought food and we even have a DJ here.” Some helpers had travelled from Switzerland and Trier. A classmate of von der Poel’s from the Alanus High School had the idea for the artwork. “Many people have associations with the Bonner Loch, but not always the best ones,” said the 21-year-old. “It’s not really a place where people want to stay long. However, for many it’s their first impression of Bonn.”
It is the artist’s intention to change this view. “I find it crazy how different the atmosphere is here since we’ve been painting.” Many pedestrians stopped to watch the artists with their spray cans at the weekend. They had already begun work on Friday. “Up to now, most have reacted positively,” said van der Poel. “But of course there are also a few who haven’t warmed to it.”
It was not at all easy for the young people to realise their idea. “We made a lot of trips to the town hall and saw lots of offices, but we finally found the right
contact person.” The permit was the first hurdle, “but then we had to see how we financed it. We are all working for nothing, but of course the paint is not free.” Three sponsors are supporting the artists. The artworks on the ground and walls are to remain until the square is demolished. “I hope,” said van der Poel, “that that will be a while yet.”
