be Pader, my friend

In the middle of the city of Paderborn lies the source area of the Pader. Over 200 springs feed the shortest river in Germany – a unique natural phenomenon where the water bubbles, gurgles and moves in a mysterious way, sometimes more, sometimes less. This is particularly well observed in the Dielenpader basin: tiny air bubbles rise up as small signs of a large cycle.

Paderborn artist Manfred Webel has translated this living dynamism into a poetic sculpture installation. Five stainless steel sculptures, inspired by the shapes of water bubbles, lie, stand or float in or around the spring pool. They resemble water molecules in their amorphous form, but also seem to be individual creatures. One of them rests in a small flax field that was planted especially for this purpose – a reference to the historical use of flax in marshy landscapes like the Pader wetlands. Another sculpture addresses the use of spring water for drinking and other purposes.

Webel’s installation is more than a silent work of art – it invites interaction. Between water, art and people, new spaces of encounter are created. With his humorous invitation be pader, my friend, Webel accompanies the work with performative and participatory formats throughout the duration
of the exhibition – an invitation to become part of the living water cycle of the Pader.