"Art is the salt in the soup of life" - Friends' Circle Chairwoman Jutta Kruft-Lohrengel in the "RED HEELS" interview

“Art is the salt in the soup of life” – Friends’ Circle Chairwoman Jutta Kruft-Lohrengel in the “RED HEELS” interview

February 27, 2021

Jutta Kruft-Lohrengel is considered the driving force in the acquisition process RED HEELSWhether it's steel construction or industrial painting - the Oberhausen resident, who is involved in many volunteer activities and is committed, has made a major contribution to ensuring that the sculpture can be erected soon. Dagmar Winkler and Karoline Seck interviewed her.

Portrait of Jutta Kruft-Lohrengel © Chamber of Industry and Commerce for Essen, Müheim an der Ruhr, Oberhausen zu Essen

Dagmar Winkler : How and when did Dr. Vogt contact you?

Jutta Kruft-Lohrengel : I can't even tell you the exact time anymore. Dr. Vogt and I have a very warm, friendly relationship that extends beyond our circle of friends. It just so happens that we occasionally have a cup of coffee together to chat about this and that. At one of these meetings—I suspect during the preparations for the current exhibition—she presented me with the idea of filling the empty plinth in front of the museum with a new sculpture. And I was immediately enthusiastic and eager to get started.

DW : Were you immediately enthusiastic about the idea that the "pink castle" should get red high heels?

JKL : Women are very present and engaged in our "pink castle," from management and volunteers to public relations, museum education, and visitor services. So it seemed only natural to choose high heels – even though I've "outgrown" such shoes myself. And the name Heiner Meyer promised a real eye-catcher. I was immediately enthusiastic.

DW : How did the process of "acquiring" the various trades proceed?

JKL : When Dr. Vogt and I set about implementing our idea, it felt as if we had opened one door only to find three more closed ones behind it. We weren't initially aware of the scope of the necessary trades and how they would need to be coordinated. But step by step, we considered who would be suitable for a voluntary contract and approached various companies without hesitation, always emphasizing that the association didn't have a large amount of liquid assets.

DW : You are very well-known in Oberhausen and beyond, Ms. Kruft-Lohrengel. Did this contribute to the success of the "acquisition"?

JKL : I can't really answer that. Yes, I know many people in Oberhausen through my work and my volunteer activities. But knowing someone is one thing, getting a promise of actual support is another. I believe that many of those I approached simply enjoyed this wonderful, positive project and the opportunity to participate during this difficult, emotionally charged time, and that's why we didn't have to ask them twice.

Wilhelm Franken and Christoph Diekmann discussing in the production hall, 2021 © LUDWIGGALERIE Schloss Oberhausen

Karoline Seck : Were there any unexpected obstacles to overcome regarding the implementation of a production step?

JKL : Of course, you always have to take action if you want to move things forward. But the entrepreneurs we partnered with always pulled together and independently ensured the smooth integration of the various production steps. I got quite a shock when the issue of a building permit suddenly appeared on the agenda. We couldn't lose sight of the schedule during the weeks of design; the sculpture is supposed to be in place by mid-March. We would never have managed that with the building permit process.

KS : How do you assess the local interest in culture shown by companies and craft businesses in Oberhausen?

JKL : Anyone who has ever experienced the diverse and enriching facets of art and culture can never escape them again. Often, however, initial contact with art, museums, and artists is lacking. With its exhibition program, the LUDWIGGALERIE helps to overcome this barrier and make art popular and accessible. And I do believe that the business community in Oberhausen is proud of the cultural diversity in our city.

KS : You are the chairwoman of the Friends of the Ludwig Gallery. What motivates your commitment to art?

JKL : For my husband and me, art is the "salt in the soup of life." It's all the more wonderful when you don't have to travel far to experience it, but instead find a fantastic and enticing selection right here in our city. And building a circle of like-minded people around it was something that appealed to me. The involvement is a lot of fun, as both the board of the Friends' Association and the members are made up of such wonderful people.

KS : How do you assess the future impact of the sculpture on the city?

JKL: This is going to be great! The traffic jams on Mülheimer Straße will increase because no one will drive to the Centro via the motorway anymore, but everyone will want to pass this bright red sculpture