Hempel

Public sculpture is a process. For Oskar Zięta, it means thoroughly studying locations, surroundings and meanings. In the case of this sculptural project adjacent to Szczytnicki Park, the inspiration in both engineering and art was an obvious choice for the artist: the “Iglica” (Spire) from 1948 designed by Prof. Stanisław Hempel.

 

The purpose of Zięta’s sculpture was to emphasize the beautiful steel constructions, as objects to look at and admire, as technology and art—structures that Zięta thinks are underappreciated. Thus, in the spirit of the place, genius loci, Zięta’s sculpture for RealCo is an homage to the historical heritage and to steel as a material.

 

Hempel’s “Iglica” has always fascinated Zięta on two parallel levels, as artist and as engineer. This steel tower climbing to heaven is a structural manifesto, filled with a spirit of art. It is a symbol of the dialogue of two worlds, in both of which Zięta moves freely. This allows Zięta to identify in a way with the outstanding but now underestimated designer Stanisław Hempel.

To insightful observers of the artist, this act certainly reminded them of how the bionic arches of the Nawa pavilion were delivered by barge along the channels of the Oder River to the site on Daliowa Island. In that project, Zięta interpreted arched vaults, giving them the new and modern form of arches deformed by air in the FiDU technology. 

The mirrored steel surfaces also allude to the historical mirrors on Hempel’s “Iglica”, which were destroyed on the eve of the project’s opening. As the Wrocław newspapers described the“Iglica” in early July 1948: “Eight mirrors driven by an electric motor were installed at a height of 96 metres. These mirrors will be targeted by 12 spotlights distributed around the exhibition site. Thanks to the rotating mirrors, the Spire will be bathed in 96 multicoloured beams, creating an ‘umbrella of light.’ It will be an extremely impressive light show every day….”

 

Zięta’s metal panels will create a comparable, unusual experience, reflecting the rays of the sun, the clouds, the surrounding greenery, and the viewers themselves. Officially, the polished surfaces of the Hempel sculpture can be viewed starting in the 1st quarter of 2025. That is also the scheduled completion date for the RealCo development. The sculpture is located in a semi-private, semi-public square, directly accessible to inhabitants of the apartments. But hopefully it will also become a popular feature for visitors taking a walk in Szczytnicki Park.

Apartments at Szczytnicki Park

Ludomira Różyckiego Avenue 1C

51-608 Wrocław