"Luft (Air)" by Hans Jürgen Breuste

Inspired by a lecture by French naturalist Jean Fabre (1823–1913) on the underestimated importance of air, artist Hans Jürgen Breuste created his thought-provoking sculpture “Luft”. Breuste transformed a disused ventilation pipe from a salt mine into an artwork that makes the invisible visible. Resting upon the pipe lies a massive glacial boulder, symbolising the immense pressure and significance of the element that sustains life yet is often taken for granted. Acquired in 2010 by the Steinhuder Meer Tourist Association, the sculpture invites reflection on the relationship between humankind and nature. It stands as a striking tribute to an element that cannot be seen or touched, yet shapes every breath and every living moment. The balance of industrial material and natural stone gives “Luft” a powerful presence amid its surroundings, encouraging visitors to pause and contemplate the unseen forces that connect us all. Whether admired as a piece of environmental art or as a symbol of resilience and interconnection, “Luft” by Hans Jürgen Breuste transforms simplicity into depth—turning air itself into a subject of awe and appreciation.