Regatta Tower Installation „Time“ on the occasion of RUHR 2010

As part of the European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010, on the roof of the Regatta Tower An impressive art installation by the artist Christoph Hildebrand has been installed on the Baldeneysee. The installation, aptly titled "Time," consists of twenty clocks of varying sizes. These are positioned at different heights and orientations on the roof of the regatta tower. The white clock faces are illuminated at night, marking the regatta tower as a striking landmark, much like a lighthouse on the coast.

None of the twenty installed clocks displays a conventional time. Instead, each timepiece runs at a different speed and even constantly changes its pace. Some clocks move slowly, while others seem to race and even rotate backward. With this, the installation "Time" aims to break with the conventional theme and question the perception of time. Observers and visitors are meant to reflect on the concept of time and its associated transience, and to critically engage with this topic, which is ubiquitous in society.

In contrast to standardized, centrally controlled time dictated by the world clock, the artist Christoph Hildebrand uses the clock as a symbol representing individuality and freedom. Time is thus meant to be experienced and internalized from a new perspective—time as a reflection of personal freedom and individual perception, if you will.

As reported by WDR, citing the regional association, its efforts to curb the growth of Elodea nuttalli using other methods have met with little success. Herbivorous fish, water edges, and removal with water pressure have been tested as part of a research project. Although the presence of this waterweed indicates good water quality and is generally considered a positive sign, its rapid spread and growth of up to 20 centimeters per day to the water's surface pose a danger to water sports enthusiasts.

The artist states that, thanks to modern control technology, he was able to program the clocks to create a unified, concert-like drama of acceleration and deceleration, according to Hildebrand. In any case, the clocks provide illumination and vibrancy when the streams of visitors thin out in the evening and night falls over the Baldeneysee spreads.

Public art is a major topic that is often the subject of controversial debate. Some find it objectionable, while others appreciate the public discourse surrounding a particular theme. The installation "Time" certainly represents an enrichment, as it offers a lively and thought-provoking exploration of a topic that affects everyone.

The regatta tower at the Baldeneysee in Essen is a historical icon and a popular meeting point for visitors to the Baldeneysee in Essen's Ruhr Valley. Together with the Regatta grandstand The regatta tower forms an ensemble that shapes the appearance of the north bank of the Baldeneysee. The tower, built in 1962, and the grandstand from the 1930s thus have a long and interesting history.