Safety Cones

Traffic cones mark the historic city gate

The "Safety Cones" (traffic cones) by American artist Dennis Oppenheim (1938-2011) for the Bergertor are the prelude to the "Five Gates / Five Places" art project, which aims to use artistic means to raise awareness of Herford's "lost" historic city gates. As a borderline between a safe area on this side and an unsafe area beyond the cones, they mark the busy traffic intersection at Bergertor as an imaginary construction site. At the same time, with their blue windows illuminated at night, they also evoke images of a dwelling, a lighthouse and a fairytale refuge. Oppenheim not only refers to particular architectural forms, but also poses questions about life and living in a city.

The artwork is a gift from the Wemhöner Foundation to the city of Herford, realized in collaboration with the Museum Marta Herford.

Further information: www.fahr-im-kreis.de