Luca, student @UDE

“I was born and lived in Essen Werden for all my life. My favorite art piece in the Ruhr area is “Totems” by Augustin Ibarolla, found on top of Halde Haniel. It consists of more than 100 wooden poles that were once train-track ties. The location on top of the area is fantastic but it also represents the character and identity of the Ruhr area. It’s simple but carries meaning, non-pretentious and diverse! The Ruhr area is a melting pot of cultures, and the diversity is implemented in the unique poles. Besides that, the art piece also represents the industrial history since industrial material was used to create something new and contemporary.”