Water, Earth, Air

Bergkamen

Water, Earth, Air

There are three large concrete pipes on Pfalzstraße in Bergkamen. They are located right next to the bike path, across from the Kuhbach-Schänke. The Lippeverband used these pipes in October 2004 to build a sewer line. Today, pipes of the same design lie deep underground, running parallel to the Kuhbach. They carry away the wastewater out of sight. Artist Gisela Schmidt painted the gray outer walls in bright colors. Three school classes from Bergkamen helped her with this. The artwork is titled “Water, Earth, Air.”

The colorful design on the visible pipes is regularly updated: As part of new projects, school classes and artists continually redesign the outer surfaces—so the motifs are not permanent but change over time.

The Elements Along the Kuhbach

The pipes depict the natural surroundings of the waterway. Each pipe represents a separate element. The motifs are colorful and stem from the children’s imaginations. The project brings the underground infrastructure to the surface. It connects industrial history with nature.

Earth and Water

The first horizontal pipe represents the element of earth. Class 3a of the Pfalz Elementary School painted colorful imaginary flowers and animals here. The second horizontal pipe represents water. The students of Class 3c designed this section. Creatures that live beneath the water’s surface can be seen on the concrete.

The Path to the Sky

The third tube stands upright. It soars skyward like a tower. This tube represents the element of air. Class 8d from the Willy-Brandt Comprehensive School took charge of the design. Here, visitors can discover many different flying creatures. Because it stands upright, the tube directs the viewer’s gaze straight up into the sky. Since its installation, the artwork has been a permanent landmark for cyclists and pedestrians in Bergkamen.

Bergkamen

Water, Earth, Air