ZIERENBERG.- From 17 to 31 August 2025, the landscape around the Zierenberger Warte will be transformed into a lively open-air art trail. The 12th edition of the international wind art festival ‘bewegter wind’ will present installations, performances, wind objects and videos by artists from all over the world – inviting visitors of all ages to marvel, discover and participate.

The bewegter wind e. V. association – promoter of wind art and intercultural communication – is bringing the renowned art festival to Zierenberg in the district of Kassel in the summer of 2025. ‘This year's exhibition shows an impressive variety of artistic ideas – and opens up fresh perspectives on the local landscape,’ explains curator Reta Reinl. ‘A circular trail almost 3 kilometres long has been created around the Zierenberg watchtower, uniquely combining art and landscape.’

156 submissions from 23 countries – 70 works selected

A total of 156 entries from 23 countries were submitted for this year's exhibition, themed ‘... fresh’. The jury selected almost 70 works by 50 artists – including 9 video contributions and 5 performances.

The theme “fresh” stands for new beginnings, new perspectives, artistic freedom and a breath of fresh air in thinking,’ says Reta Reinl. ‘Especially in times of global challenges, we need creative impulses that go beyond the familiar and enable new ways of thinking.’

Strong regional participation – five artists from Kassel

North Hesse is also well represented this year. Five artists from Kassel and the surrounding area are exhibiting their impressive works:

• Jean Boskja Missler: ‘Bride and Groom and Folks’, a poetic installation on the theme of connection.

• Karin Poppenhäger: ‘Fresh Wind in Old Bags’ – an installation made from recycled milk cartons that questions outdated ways of thinking and opens up new paths to sustainability.

• Philipp Appel: ‘House of Wind’ – a walk-in textile room that opens and closes with the wind. Impressive landscape architecture.

• MiKi Lazar: ‘AIRIS – das atmende Auge’ (AIRIS – the breathing eye), an iris-shaped object that invites a sensory dialogue with landscape and perception.

• Kordula Klose: ‘fresh’ – an installation with a watering hose that leads visitors under a ‘refreshing’ sign.

International art, sound and dance in the wind

Numerous other artists from all over the world are bringing their works to Zierenberg – such as Lorena Malo from Mexico with her manta ray objects made from old umbrellas, and German sound artist Jutta Kelm, who has been working with wind harps for decades and is presenting two sound objects.

The festival's video section is also well represented: particularly impressive is the poetic cloud work by Italian artist Giorgio Gerardi, who uses graphic software to stage moving sky landscapes – on display at the Elisabeth Selbert School.

Performances: Wind becomes sound, dance, a portal

A highlight is the performance day on Sunday, 24 August 2025 – traditionally the middle Sunday of the exhibition period.

Performers include:

• Ralf Peters with his audio performances ‘Invocation of the Elements: Wind’ and ‘Fresh Wind – Breath – Air,’ which can be heard live.

• Rosa Schmidt, performer, invites you to join in a round dance at windy heights – an interactive movement sculpture between nature and civilisation.

• Zoreh Fazli from Iran, whose performance ‘Stillness is a Storm’ combines dance, poetry and spirituality.

• Marcel Lawrence brings a floating archway into the sky with his kite performances ‘Aiolos Tor’ and ‘Chaos in Ordnung’ – a flying symbol of transformation and change.

Art meets landscape – an experience for all the senses

The exhibition route, which is just under 3 kilometres long, leads through the unique landscape around the Zierenberger Warte. This is the highest point in the area and offers sweeping views of mountains and basalt hills. ‘The landscape changes every few hundred metres,’ says Reta Reinl. ‘Here, the triple effect of landscape, art and wind unfolds – an ever-surprising interplay that directs our thoughts in new directions.’