Owl picture with Greek symbolism for the rector

Bremerhaven artists create pictures for Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences

It is a special kind of cooperation: as part of the ‘Farben Rausch’ exhibition by Bremerhaven artists Marcel Asendorf and Mucki Rose, artworks are currently being created for Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences in Haus Glüsing (Fährstraße 21, Bremerhaven). The first painting, entitled ‘Relief’, was recently presented to the Rector Prof. Dr Dr h.c. Alexis Papathanassis. 

The rector of the university had requested a picture of an owl. He emphasised the significance of the bird in Greek mythology: ‘The Athenian owl is a symbol of wisdom and the goddess it represents stands for education and art. According to the myth, when the city we now call Athens was founded, both Athena and Poseidon, the god of the sea and a symbol of prosperity, laid claim to the city. The Athenians decided in favour of Athena, hence the name. Fortunately, here at Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences, we don't have to choose between education and maritime prosperity, but rather want to combine the two.’

Canvas artist Mucki Rose, whose real name is Robert Dörfert, was inspired by the myth of the birth of the city of Athens. His painting combines ancient Greek symbolism with modern art and contains a number of hidden elements. It therefore offers room for individual interpretation and allows the viewer to bring in their own perspectives. ‘This is in line with our philosophy of viewing our students as unique individuals. Finally, the painting contains the word ‘relief’, which stands for letting go. This is indeed the key to innovation and discovering new horizons. To reach new shores, we must lose sight of the old ones and to embrace new ideas, we must dare to let go of old concepts,’ the rector explains his interpretation of the painting.

Marcel Asendorf and Mucki Rose are from Bremerhaven. They met at the Bremerhaven Artspace and decided to show their figurative-abstract artworks in a joint exhibition. The fact that they were allowed to use the university's premises as a gallery and studio during the lecture-free period was a great help to them. ‘The rooms at Fährstr. 21 are well suited as exhibition spaces because, in addition to the enormous amount of space, they are also characterised by the large amount of light coming in through the huge windows and artificial lighting is largely unnecessary. The ceiling height on the ground floor gives the art the best possible potential for development,’ says Marcel Asendorf. His fellow artist Robert Dörfert is also enthusiastic about the rooms: ‘The great location on the university campus, the layout of the rooms and the large windows - I saw the rooms back then and immediately thought how perfect an exhibition here would be.’

The two artists are currently working on a joint artwork that will mark the anniversary of Bremerhaven University of Applied Sciences next year. They are not yet revealing what exactly will be on display. Just this much: it will be a collage that, among other things, will represent the maritime profile and corporate identity of the ‘Hochschule am Meer’. The work is expected to be on display in the entrance area of House K of the university from September.