COLUMNA VERTEBRALIS (2023)

Steel, approx. 500 x 60 x 40 cm (approx. 500 kg) on a steel/concrete base, 100 x 150 cm

Location: Palmpark

"Rückgrat: Columna vertebralis (Spine: Columna vertebralis), a five-meter-high steel sculpture by Rolf Laven, harmoniously blends into Braunau's Palmpark as an additional focal point. Positioned alongside the park's prominent visual axes—including the town hall, churches, and library—and the historic Palm Memorial, which remains deeply significant throughout the changes of history, Rückgrat: Columna vertebralis stands out as an urban landmark.
Laven's artistic design contextualizes the life, work, and death of the publisher Johann Philipp Palm, who lost his life in Braunau in 1806 on Napoleon's orders due to his dedication to freedom of the press and thought. The historical figure of Palm, embodying humanistic action and resistance against despotism and violent occupation, is honored through this sculpture.
The foundation consists of a massive concrete base that doubles as seating. Resting upon it is the core body of the sculpture: an open steel bookcase that invites visitors to explore the books placed inside, creating an interactive experience. Atop the steel framework sits another concrete base that supports the stele-like sculpture. At the foot of the monument, urban furniture provides seating, creating a space for communication and contemplation."