Conjunctio Europae
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European
Parliament, Brussels, European
Union Representative Office of Baden-Württemberg,
With this
"Conjunctio Europae" exhibition concept Manfred Scharpf
creates a link between the past and the future, and also a bridge
between the European nations with the tools of his art. It was
only possible to view and experience the entire continent from
the Atlantic through to the Ukraine as a result of this opening
of the borders and the great work of political union. On this
journey he was accompanied by the spirit of Europe with its
people, landscapes and buildings.
With the many and varied artistic tools at his disposal, Manfred Scharpf the artist attempts to overcome the Terra Incognita of Europe - the fear of the unknown - by focusing attention on the cultural richness of Europe, the talents of the Europeans, on the beauty of its art, but also on its painful past. The transformation into a Conjunctio Europae necessitates facing the three elementary challenges of Europe - an intensive reconciliation after its wartime past, the dialogue of cultures and the unison of man and nature. These affect our everyday life, our way of thinking, acting and feeling - if not directly, then in a latent manner. In his imagination the artist compares a Conjunctio Europae with the realisation of a creative work. The three themes he focuses on are used as ingredients for and means of realization of his vision of the future. For him these three challenges convey messages which enable us to not only find our European identity, but also the way to our own hearts. IMPETUS Our epochal
task is to shape Europe under the conditions of globalisation.
This is not an academic project, but will enhance the practical
well-being of its people as well as safeguarding peace and freedom.
In everyday practice, however, the process of European unification is a constant interplay of successes and setbacks. The scenario is dominated by a constant struggle with details, which conceal the central idea. This is dangerous indeed! What can relieve this fixation with the here and now? The exploration of art! Whoever regards Europe as a community of cultures and values will win through to simplicity, steadfastness and courage. I am therefore very pleased that Manfred E. Scharpf has concentrated his artistic creativity and political sensitivity on the "Conjunctio Europae". With his oeuvre Manfred E. Scharpf conveys both orientation and encouragement. He impressively confirms the often quoted dictum of Theodor Heuss: "It is not possible to create art with politics. It may, however, be possible to affect politics with art." Manfred E. Scharpf lives in the Swabian Allgäu, away from large cities. This distance enhances his work. He treads his own paths with the dry, unwieldy charm of his homeland with determination. He takes a very individual look at contemporary developments. and wants to personally influence their progress. Manfred E. Scharpf embodies the inner diversity of the treasure of European culture in a model manner. His driving force is to augment this costly resource and place the new at the service of the common good. His works are not "beautiful" in the general sense of the word. They require exact, intense observation. They demand dialogue. And this means that they show in an exemplary way how the aesthetics of European art grows from the willingness to not only observe, but also to participate in such a dialogue. Hans Georg
Gadamer offers the following piece of advice: "The more
time we take to linger and become involved, the more evocative,
varied and richer a work of art appears." This is very
true. Taking time for Manfred E. Scharpf and his exhibits and
consciously opening up to them is guaranteed to be beneficial
- especially in the hectic bustle of Strasbourg and Brussels.
Stuttgart,
Summer 2007
Manfred
E. Scharpf December
17th, 2007, Bruxelles,
27 pupils from German International School in kooperation with
Manfred Scharpf formed one painting of Europe with historical
painting techniques and pigments. The painting consists of 27
parts (so as 27 nationes of EU) and form unity. The pupils realised
their visions of worth living Europe. This concept with children
represets a part of Manfred Scharpf´s art concept "Conjunctio
Europae" also in the further exhibitions.
European
Parliament, Brussels
European
Union Representative Office of Baden-Württemberg,
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