The Wächterhaus (Watchman House) by Helmut & Johanna Kandl is the winning project of an international competition for a "Denkzeichen" (memorial sign), initiated by the Institute for Art in Public Space Styria. It subtly implements the task of raising awareness of the almost forgotten Mauthausen concentration camp in Aflenz an der Sulm.
In his message of greeting read out at the opening, former Federal President Heinz Fischer describes the artist duo's approach in memorable terms: "A former guardhouse as a visible relic and authentic reminder of terror, inhumanity and cruelty also becomes, through artistic treatment, a memorial to vigilance against today's forms of contempt for humanity, and against the suppression or trivialisation of a terrible time." Fischer sees the significance of the Wächterhaus project in a work of remembrance that should challenge and strengthen the forces of "never again", especially among young people. Because "...coming to terms with the horrors of National Socialism is still a moral task and an important element of political culture in Austria."
This was also emphasised by Deputy Governor Kurt Flecker, who presented the Wächterhaus to the public: "We need such memorials to remind us where we already stand again. Because guilt also exists today: when those who don't remember and when there is no commemoration, that means when no lessons are learned from the past."
An act of ecumenical remembrance was marked by prayers by Avshalom Eliassi (Jewish Community of Graz) and Father Arseny Chernikin (Russian Orthodox priest) as well as intercessions by Hans Ranz (Roman Catholic deacon of the Diocese of Graz-Seckau) and Hermann Miklas (Superintendent of the Protestant Diocese of Styria).
A project of the Institute for Art in Public Space Styria, realised with the cooperation of the township of Wagna.
Location: Aflenz an der Sulm, Aflenzer Straße 19, 8435 Wagna
