Around 1,000 students from NMS Bern recently transformed Waisenhausplatz into a vibrant, temporary chalk flower garden. This artistic endeavor honored the 40th anniversary of the death of Swiss surrealist artist Meret Oppenheim, bringing a long-held wish of hers to life in the heart of the city.
Key Takeaways
- Approximately 1,000 students from NMS Bern participated in the chalk art project.
- The event commemorated the 40th anniversary of Meret Oppenheim's passing.
- Students created a colorful flower garden around the Meret Oppenheim Fountain.
- The project fulfilled Oppenheim's original vision for her fountain as a joyful garden.
- The NMS Bern, celebrating its 175th anniversary next year, emphasizes community engagement.
A Living Tribute to Meret Oppenheim
The Waisenhausplatz in Bern became a canvas for a unique public art installation. Students from various educational levels at NMS Bern, including kindergarten, gymnasium, and university students, used colorful street chalk to draw thousands of flowers. This collective artwork surrounded the Meret Oppenheim Fountain, creating an unexpected and joyful scene for passersby.
The initiative served as a tribute to Meret Oppenheim, who passed away in 1985. It specifically addressed an unfulfilled desire the artist expressed during the inauguration of her namesake fountain in 1983. Oppenheim described her fountain as a work meant to bring joy, much like a garden.
Artist's Vision
Meret Oppenheim saw her fountain, with its flowing and changing water cascades, as a living entity. She imagined it growing with people and time. However, the idea of an accompanying garden remained a dream during her lifetime.
Bringing a Dream to Life
Forty years after her death, the students of NMS Bern took up Oppenheim's idea. They drew flowers, vines, and ornamental shapes. This transformed the urban square into a collective garden artwork. For several hours, the Waisenhausplatz became a blooming meadow, surprising and delighting city residents and visitors.
The project went beyond a typical school event. It showed how engaging with art can take on new forms. It also highlighted the lasting impact of an artist's vision across generations. The temporary nature of the chalk art added to its unique charm, emphasizing the ephemeral beauty of creativity.
"We wanted to fulfill a wish of Meret Oppenheim and at the same time create a place of joy. Exactly as she had imagined it," said Tobias Löhrer, a member of the NMS Bern management.
Meret Oppenheim: Surrealist Icon
Meret Oppenheim (1913 – 1985) is one of Switzerland's most important artists. She gained international fame with her famous "Fur Teacup" ("Déjeuner en fourrure," 1936). Her work consistently pushed boundaries between everyday life, art, and fantasy. In Bern, her legacy continues through the Meret Oppenheim Fountain. Now, it also lives on in the memory of a colorful chalk flower meadow, created by young people who may yet realize their own artistic dreams.
Generational Connection Through Art
NMS Bern is an educational institution that serves a wide age range. It includes students from kindergarten, gymnasium, vocational schools, and a university. The involvement of such a diverse group of students made the tribute especially powerful. The participation of nearly 1,000 students underscored the community's connection to art and its history.
Tobias Löhrer expressed his enthusiasm for the project's success. He noted how the temporary flower display became a symbol of art living on through different generations. This collective effort demonstrated how artistic expression can bridge age gaps and foster a shared sense of creativity.
- Over 90% of NMS Bern's students, from kindergarten to university, participated.
- The event fostered a sense of community and shared purpose among participants.
- It provided a direct, hands-on experience with public art and remembrance.
NMS Bern: A Legacy of Education and Community
The NMS Bern will celebrate its 175th anniversary next year. The institution views education as a bridge between tradition and the present. The Meret Oppenheim tribute is one of many projects that highlight NMS Bern's strong ties to the city of Bern.
These initiatives aim to make the institution's presence visible and active within the urban landscape. By engaging students in public art projects, NMS Bern not only honors historical figures but also encourages civic participation and creative expression. The event reinforced the idea that art is not just for galleries but can enrich public spaces and daily life.
The success of the chalk garden project shows the positive impact that educational institutions can have on local culture. It also underlines the importance of remembering artists who have shaped Switzerland's cultural identity. This public display of art offered a moment of collective reflection and enjoyment for everyone in Bern.
The temporary nature of the artwork also served as a reminder of the fleeting beauty of artistic expression and the constant evolution of urban spaces. It provided a unique opportunity for people of all ages to interact with art in an accessible and engaging way.