Site 1: Snowman sculpture on Knödelplatz
At the first location, Knödelplatz, there is a snowman sculpture consisting of three carved stone boulders and a cast metal carrot. This sculpture symbolizes the early history and geological formation of the Munich gravel plain in the Alpine foothills. The snowman, which only became popular in the 18th century, stands for us as a symbol of stability and cultural development.
The choice of Knödelplatz as the location is particularly significant. The name “Knödelplatz” recalls the history of Pfanni, the company known for its potato dumplings. The snowman, which consists of three boulders stacked on top of each other, reflects the shape of dumplings, among other things, thus creating a playful link to the history of the site. This sculpture invites visitors to reflect on the connection between nature, culture and local history and to experience the creative transformation of everyday objects into art.
Material: Stones
Size: approx. 1.8 – 2 m high
Weight: approx. 2 tons
Site 2: Carnegiea gigantea cactus
At the second site, a Carnegiea gigantea cactus made of CORTEN steel plates was installed, which were assembled and welded together. Corten steel forms a particularly dense barrier layer of firmly adhering sulphates or phosphates on the surface due to weathering under the actual rust layer, which protects the steel part from further corrosion.
The cactus is our “summer snowman” and symbolizes the water reservoir in the desert, which gives life and embodies the natural cycle. This sculpture stands for the adaptability and resilience of nature. It reminds the viewer how important water is as a source of life and inspires a conscious use of resources.
Material: Corten / sheet 12mm
Dimensions: height approx. 2400mm / width approx. 900mm
Positioning and function
Both sculptures are positioned in the immediate vicinity of the drinking fountains to serve as visual anchor points. They not only highlight the locations of the water dispensers, but also act as a signet for finding them again. The sculptures invite visitors to pause and experience the symbiosis of art, nature and functionality.
The two sculptures enrich the Werksviertel-Mitte and create a link between past, present and future. They are intended to inspire visitors to reflect on the importance of water and nature in our lives and to appreciate the cultural history of the region.
Collaboration and examples of works
The artistic collaboration began with the exhibition From Dusk Till Dawn, 2021 in the whiteBOX in Munich. It was continued in exhibitions and interventions in public spaces, including the Luftmuseum Amberg (2023), the Ganserhaus of AK 68 (2023-24) in Wasserburg, the Antonierhof during the Memminger Meile and Isny macht blau 2024. Her working method as a sculptor is characterized by playing with the categories of dimension, materiality and effect and exploring the special tension between efficiency and poetry. At the center of the exhibitions was an oversized sculpture of a snowman upcycled from old roof battens and mirror splinters. This sculpture embodies the theme of the snowman as a metaphor for human life and climate change.
The works of Torsten Mühlbach and Gregor Passens are characterized by their complexity and artistic depth. They play with contrasts, materials and themes such as environmental protection and sustainability, creating works that are both thought-provoking and aesthetically pleasing. Their exhibitions are a journey through a world of poetry, innovation and beauty.
More information about Gregor Passens and Torsten Mühlbach
