A massive artwork by 21-year-old Ellwangen artist Theo Dostal has been officially unveiled at the new municipal utilities building in the German city of Ellwangen. The painting, titled 'The Jumper,' measures an impressive 9.10 by 1.90 meters and is believed to be the largest publicly accessible artwork currently displayed in Ellwangen.
The monumental piece is prominently featured in the light court of the new Stadtwerke (municipal utilities) building located at Bahnhofstraße 28. The artwork was commissioned specifically for the utilities company, with General Manager Stefan Powolny providing only one requirement: that the painting should have a thematic connection to the company's operations.
Dostal's creation depicts a swimmer at Kressbachsee lake captured in mid-air as he jumps from a diving tower toward the water surface below. The figure displays a mix of joy and nervous anticipation on his face as he falls through the air. This scene effectively connects to the municipal utilities' role in managing local water facilities and recreational areas.
The official handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, with Dostal presenting the completed work to General Manager Powolny. The ceremony was attended by several local dignitaries, including Mayor Michael Dambacher, Cultural Affairs Director Dr. Anselm Grupp, and members of the Dostal family.
Dostal, who is currently studying art and history in Stuttgart, created this impressive work during his semester break over the course of more than a month. The municipal utilities company provided him with rented storage space in the former BAG industrial area, where he had sufficient room to work on the large-scale piece. The young artist's dedication to completing this ambitious project during his vacation time demonstrates his commitment to his craft and his connection to his hometown of Ellwangen.
