The sun sphere as a symbol of life
On the 4th anniversary of the 4U9525 airplane crash, we present the work Sonnenkugel of our member Jürgen Batscheider, which is considered a symbol of life.
The work Sonnenkugel (German for sun sphere) by our member Jürgen Batscheider is a central commemorative element made of 149 individual gold-plated aluminium plates that commemorates the 149 victims of the airplane crash of 24 March 2015 in the southern French Alps.
The material, which symbolises longevity and value, also refers in its colour to the sun as a universal symbol of life. Its light is reflected during the day, creating a direct connection between the observer and the sphere.
Inside the sphere there is a crystal column made of stainless steel. Its five sides represent the five continents from which the victims come. Handcrafted wooden memorial balls have been placed in this crystal.
The artist's overall concept also includes a Sonnenportal (German for sun portal) on the Col de Mariaud on the opposite side of the mountain, which frames the view of the Sonnenkugel from a distance. The portal thus creates a link between the visitor platform and the crash site, which is about 700 m (as the crow flies) away, and which will remain closed permanently. The coordinates of the crash site are engraved into the vertical sides of the massive sun portal, the flight number is milled into the horizontal beams.
Further information: http://4u9525.lufthansagroup.com/de/sonnenkugel.html
Further information about the artist Jürgen Batscheider
Source: Lufthansa Group
Cover picture: Jürgen Batscheider, Sonnenkugel (2016/2017), aluminium, goldleaf, steel, V2A-steel, wood, Ø 5m. ©Oliver Rössler
