Berlin - Memorial to the Homosexuals

[CARL]

Located within the Großer Tiergarten, midway between Potsdamer Platz and the Brandenburger Tor, the memorial to the homosexuals persecuted under the National Socialist regime stands in a quiet spot within the park. Designed by Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset - from Denmark and Norway respectively, the memorial was opened to the public in May 2008. The main feature of the memorial is a small window, through which a short film can be viewed. The current film, to be changed every two years, features two young men kissing and showing affection in a park. A large simple stone block acts as the structure, within which the window and video film are present. Similar in design to one of the 2,711 concrete stelae located across the street at the Berlin Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe - see thread below, it is a reflection not without reason.

Berlin - Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Images:

1) The memorial, located at Ebertstraße - opposite the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

2) A still, taken from the current video, visible through the small window

Carl

[Gunny Hartmann]

I've never noticed this memorial but i'll pay it a visit the next time i'm there. Thankfully we are more tolerant and accepting these days!...

[Wagriff]

Another oddly designed monument. I'm wondering if the Germans might need to look farther for memorial artists. The Reason for this memorial is perfectly understandable, but the design and the Movie I could do without. I guess the old generation just doesn't "get" some things....What has been the public reaction or response to it?

[CARL]

Patently, many do not like the design of the recent Berlin memorials...but they do garner a great deal of publicity and interest which a more aesthetic structure would likely not, sad though it is...that is a fact. Various reasons and interpretations have been given for why certain designs were chosen...but like them or loathe them...the point is to remember the victims...not the architects and designers.

Carl

[Wagriff]

Personally, I'd remember the Notre Dame Cathedral more than I would the tiny church in Drumheller, although both are honoring religion...but that's just me, of course. It's my opinion that the grander and more beautiful a memorial is, the more people will look at it and remember it and it's cause, rather than oddball designs that are potentially offensive to the more easily offended. Designs that make a person wince and curl their lip when seen are only impelling people to leave it sooner rather than later. No one wants to spend an hour taking in and remembering a structure or edifice that is repellent. Sometimes, it is better to stick with the older classic concepts and designs than to go with the modernist versions. Impressing is more memorable and pleasing than offending-although both are easily remembered.

[CARL]

The really sad point is that people end up discussing art and design more than remembering the tragedy that the monument represents.

Take this thread for example...

Carl

[Wagriff]

Bizarrely, although intended otherwise, such a comment only accentuates the whole notion of ugly memorials. People realize fully well the deep and significance of the memorials meanings and reasons, but the repellance of the designs make more of an initial impression than should be. In the end, most casual visitors leave remembering the disturbing construction rather than the importance of their meanings.

[CARL]

William, as ever, my comment only serves one goal and one goal alone - to ensure that these tragic events are not forgotten. Personally, as I have already explained, I do not enjoy the tastes of modern art and design...I much prefer the aesthetics of the classical styles present throughout these parts...but the point was made clearly and shall be done so again...despite the fact that the vast majority of us would much prefer a beautifully crafted and presented structure and design, we must remember that the memorial is a memorial, above the fact that it is a piece of art.

Carl