Berlin Street Transformed by 'Gütersloh's Child' Art Installation
An unusual art installation has taken over a central Berlin street. Fabric banners depicting a young Gütersloh woman, known as 'Gütersloh's Child', hang above the street, showing her growth from age six to 21. The project, part of Gütersloh's 200th anniversary celebrations, is the brainchild of amateur photographer Wolf-Dieter Tabbert.
Tabbert, an engineer and typesetter, discovered photography as a means of expression in his youth. He chose this subject because the young woman 'has remained true to herself' during her growth. The portraits, taken with a Hasselblad camera and developed in Tabbert's own darkroom, are displayed in a dynamic way. Wind conditions determine what passersby see, as the banners hang and sway.
Tabbert can often be seen intervening to untangle the banners and engaging in conversation with passersby. The project is one of 200 leading up to Gütersloh's 200th anniversary in 2025. After October 31, 2025, the exhibition will no longer be displayed in its current location, but the new location is yet to be specified.
The 'Gütersloh's Child' installation is a unique way to celebrate the city's anniversary, involving local people with their ideas. It serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the resilience of youth, all captured in a series of striking portraits.
