LUDWIG:CHARTS Season 23 – Primary school children conquer the museum

“How am I supposed to choose from so many pictures? It’ll never be possible,” Elisabeth said, overwhelmed by the sight of the numerous works of art.

It's the first project day of LUDWIG:CHARTS for the primary school students of the Falkenstein School in Oberhausen. Some of the children have never been to a museum before and are visibly impressed. After introductions and a short briefing, they dash off to explore the exhibition and the castle with all their senses. "What's art supposed to smell like?" Gloria asks skeptically. "Quite obviously!" replies Isabella, "it smells like makeup," and points to her favorite picture – an oversized lipstick flying over a cratered landscape. The collected impressions are meticulously noted on prepared sensory cards.

The aspiring peer team members meet every Friday for several weeks at the LUDWIGGALERIE as part of the exhibition GERMAN POP ART. Between Provocation and Mainstream , to work on selecting and presenting their TOP 10. "It's always fascinating to see how engaged the children are in compiling their charts," says Sabine Falkenbach, one of the project leaders, while a group of participants are engaged in a lively discussion in front of a painting, using gestures and body language. She and Ursula Bendorf-Depenbrock created LUDWIG:CHARTS and, as a team, have refined the concept with innovative ideas over many years.

Every spot is fiercely contested until all the favorite works are chosen and the final top 10 is determined. With expert guidance, the students not only delve deeply into the world of Pop Art, but also learn to find their voice through targeted physical and vocal exercises with theater educator Barbara Grubenbecher. In doing so, they discover the joy of speaking freely about art in front of an audience and sharing their own personal perspectives with others.

In terms of creativity, the young artists of LUDWIG:CHARTS are every bit as talented as their adult role models in the exhibition: Workshops involve drawing, crafting, filming, and photography. "We should write a thank-you letter to the class's art teacher," joke the two teachers, Eva Schroeter and Tatiana Sajko, in light of their talent.

Today, the most imaginative versions of the castle are immortalized in vibrant colors on transparent postcards. "That's my house," says Beatrix, tracing the outline of the LUDWIGGALERIE through the enormous glass front. Then she adds, a little louder so everyone in the group can hear, "Next time, take your shoes off when you visit me!" It's Carnival, and all the children are in costume. Beatrix is ​​dressed as a princess and is playing her part very convincingly. Maria bows in agreement: "Yes, Your Highness." They both burst out laughing.

The big day! "I hope no one comes," Anna whispers excitedly before she begins to study her notes with focused concentration. To everyone's delight, her wish is not granted. The families of the team members, friends, and classmates stream into the foyer of the LUDWIGGALERIE for the grand finale presentation. Here, the guests are welcomed and witness the first highlight right from the start. The children have independently devised a complex welcoming choreography, which celebrates its premiere today with such ease and perfection that they can hardly believe it themselves. With the broadest smiles, they head off into the exhibition.

It's absolutely silent. The visitors listen attentively to the explanations – they don't want to miss a thing! "Four girls, together they form a rainbow," explains Tuana. She and Nele describe their favorite picture. The students are particularly taken with the vibrant pop art colors. "It smells like alcohol. It looks like they're dancing." Then Nele adds diplomatically, "Everyone can interpret it however they want."

Suddenly, music starts playing in the background, and the two of them actually begin to dance. They'd decided to liven up their presentation with a little performance. Inspired by so much confidence, several of the other students also begin to follow the beat. "Okay, that's it," says Nele, satisfied. "Any questions?" That's the starting signal. Countless arms shoot up, and a barrage of questions erupts. "Experiencing the children's imagination is so enriching," Sabine Falkenbach enthuses as she attentively observes the lively exchange with the guests. "Incredibly exciting."

After the tour, all participants can unleash their creativity in the museum workshop or enjoy refreshments at the buffet. "The way to a person's heart is through their stomach," Nane knows all too well, and she hugs Moni tightly. Monika Kempkes is actually the unsung hero of the project. At every LUDWIG:CHARTS event, she lovingly takes care of the participants' well-being.

At the end of the day, and thus the project, a slight sadness lingers. Sadly, it's all over again, but the next season won't be long in coming…

Kevin Casper