Blossom Wave & Sounds of the Sky – Insights into the Artistic Reception at the Thermal Römerbad
At the transition from the drudge of everyday life to total relaxation is the Thermal Römerbad, ready to welcome you back after its renovation with a new floral art installation that engages all the senses. As soon as you enter the glass-fronted entrance area, it’s clear that well-being starts from the moment you arrive. Carinthian artist Katharina Steiner, known for her “Kopf.über” installations, has created a multi-sensory experience with over 3,000 flowers, the scent of Swiss stone pine and a sense of floating lightness; you can’t help yourself from stopping for a moment to take it all in. In this blog article, we give you an insight into this special form of art in public spaces – and show you what it’s all about.
100 hours. Many hands. A unique work of art.
Hanging waves of flowers, the scent of Swiss stone pine, the interplay between light and glass – Katharina Steiner’s new nature installation welcomes you with an experience for all the senses to enjoy. One glance upwards is enough to let you know that a lot of attention to detail and genuine craftsmanship went into it.
In Feng Shui, the entrance area is regarded as the “mouth of Qi” – the place where life energy flows into the house. “That’s why we’ve placed huge importance on making it inviting and harmonious – so that our guests can slow down as soon as they set foot in the door,” says Managing Director Hansjörg Pflauder.
We also deliberately decided to go with a local artist because someone who knows and feels the landscape is also able to stage it authentically. The Feldkirchen-based artist collects, nurtures and conserves some of the plants herself – and designs each installation intuitively, tailored to the space and theme. Everything is designed out of a love for the region – that’s what makes it so special.
Wave sounds & the Nockberge – when art reflects nature.
The inspiration for the new floral art installation in the Thermal Römerbad came from the gentle mountain ranges of the Nockberge and the element of water – a special connection that makes the Bad Kleinkirchheimer Bergbahnen offer unique and was also incorporated into the design of the glass panelling.
The work is a tribute to the regional flora and the alpine lifestyle. This is also reflected in the choice of colours and materials: turquoise, blue, violet and warm earthy tones blend together seamlessly, interspersed with stone pine shavings, rock crystals, butterflies and dried grasses.
“I’m fascinated by how nature and art inspire each other. My installations are intended to amaze, but also to inspire reflection – I want people to reflect on the beauty, but also the transience of the moment,” says Katharina Steiner.
The plants are incorporated into the artwork at various stages of their life cycle: fresh, dried, coloured – a symbol of change and transience.
A spectacle of contrasts.
Just like in nature, there are contrasts here, too; the austere shape of the glass cube creates a deliberate counter to the gentle wave of flowers that unfolds inside. This produces a “room within a room” that invites you to take a moment and see the world differently.
Nature, art and architecture unite to create a unique experience. Lighting from below and an LED mirrored ceiling make the installation a real eye-catcher, where the light changes depending on the time of day.
Nature turned on its head.
Your day at the spa begins with a refreshing change of perspective. This is exactly what Katharina Steiner would like to invite you to do with her hanging flower artworks: to pause, to be amazed – and to make a conscious choice to step into the experience. “With my installations, I want to create moments where you take time out – spaces in which you can be amazed, savour the experience and breathe again,” says Steiner, describing the intention behind her work.
Engage all your senses on arrival.
The new floral art installation at the Thermal Römerbad is more than just a decorative item – it’s an invitation to arrive with an open mind. Allow the colourful bouquet of sensory impressions to take effect on you and enjoy the beauty of nature – the perfect start to your day of well-being.
More about the artist: www.katharinasteiner.com
Discover her artworks on Instagram: @katharinasteinerkunst
More Infos to the Thermal Römerbad
