Unzeitgemäße Zeitgenossen

Unzeitgemäße Zeitgenossen is a bronze sculpture consisting of five nude figures standing on a horizontal beam near Augustusplatz in central Leipzig. The installation occupies a pedestrian passage, forcing visitors to navigate directly through the work as they move through the area.

Artist Bernd Göbel created this bronze work between 1982 and 1990 as a gift to Leipzig following German reunification. The piece emerged during a period of profound transformation for both the city and the country.

The five figures represent different professions - a rationalist, urban planner, diagnostician, pedagogue, and art theorist - showing what roles society valued at the time. You can see how each figure is identified through its attributes, such as tools or distinctive features that clarify their function.

The sculpture is located at Grimmaische Straße 30 and is easily accessible from the outside. When passing through, be prepared to walk close to the figures, as the installation fills the pedestrian area.

Several elements of the sculpture, including a saw, an ear trumpet, ears, and a nose, are gilded with gold leaf. These gold-plated details create an eye-catching metallic contrast against the dark patina of the bronze figures.