Attania, Metal sculpture on Gilberginsel island, Attendorn, Germany
Attania is a metal sculpture located on Gilberginsel island in Biggesee lake near Attendorn, Germany. The work measures approximately 8 meters in length, weighs around 10 tons, and was created by artist Friedrich Freiburg from Rönkhausen.
Construction of the sculpture began in spring 2012 on the uninhabited island within the lake. Work was paused during breeding seasons to protect rare bird species that nest on Gilberginsel island.
Local schoolchildren from Attendorn selected the name Attania through a community competition, giving the sculpture a personal connection to the town. The metal work has become a symbol that visitors and residents associate with the area.
The sculpture can be viewed from boats on Biggesee lake or from observation points along the shoreline. Best views of the metal work are from the water, since Gilberginsel island is not open to visitors.
The installation was part of Regionale 2013, a cultural initiative in the North Rhine-Westphalia region. Funding came from the City of Attendorn and the Sparkasse Attendorn-Lennestadt-Kirchhundem Foundation, showing how local institutions supported contemporary art.
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