Balanceakt I
Place: Franckesche Stiftungen, Halle (Saale), Germany
Date: 2018-2019
Material: Mineral facade paint
Partner: Philipp Eichhorn, Hendryk von Busse
Assistance: Alexander Dümke, Alexander Staiger, Frieder Bader, Hanna Müller-Kaempffer, Joav Scholz, Kyrill Hirner, Marten Ernst, Martin Krauth, Max Rademacher, Michael Schulze, Nancy Röschter, Philipp Hurst, Philipp Kienast, Robert Czolkoß, Sebastian Borkert, Stefan Retzlaff, Tillmann Ziola
Balanceakt (2018–2019) was a two-year mural project in Halle’s Voßstraße, covering four 11-story socialist blocks. The murals reflect the contrasts of the neighborhood, where prefabricated buildings meet historic houses and busy streets intersect with narrow alleys. Residents participated actively: at block parties, they recreated constellations of figures that were photographed and integrated into the facade designs. Today, locals recognize themselves in the artwork, connecting with their neighborhood and its history through the murals’ imagery.
The Concept
Before designing, we explored the site at different times of day. The challenge was to connect distant buildings, integrate socialist architecture into a baroque context, and balance far and near views. The concept addresses these contrasts through human and monumental scale: figures at eye level for residents on the lower floors, and large, easily readable motifs for distant viewers on upper floors. A red thread runs through the entire composition, linking perspectives, history, and the site.
Two block parties engaged residents and building owners in the design process. Ideas were discussed, re-enacted, and photographed to inform the murals. Early involvement let people recognize themselves in the work, creating connections, shared meals, and warm interactions throughout the two-year project.
Photos: Jessen Mordhorst
