“Pied Piper,” CASE MA’CLAIM, facade of a gymnasium at Ludwig-Frank-Gymnasium, Käfertaler Str. 117, 68167 Mannheim; Photo: Alexander Krziwanie / Stadt.Wand.Kunst
The “Pied Piper” mural by CASE MA’CLAIM in Mannheim
On the facade of the gymnasium at Ludwig-Frank-Gymnasium in Wohlgelegen, CASE’s mural depicts a group of people in motion. His design captures the march of a group of people who appear to be heading in the wrong direction. Leading the way is a young man who seems to be following the screen of his cell phone. Behind him are children and teenagers following their leader. Their eyes are expressionless; their gazes appear lethargic and introverted.
To create his unusual motifs, CASE works from individual photographs, which he assembles into a complete image using a collage technique. The technical expertise of this trained painter and restorer from Frankfurt—who now travels the world as a freelance artist—is reflected in his distinctive painting style. While he applies paint to larger areas using a roller and brush, he uses a spray can to create the highlights that emphasize the three-dimensionality of the photorealistic details.
The title of his mural (“Pied Piper”) makes a direct reference to the famous German legend of the Pied Piper of Hamelin. Just as the rats—and later the young people—in Hamelin did, the followers appear blind and unthinking. Yet their leader, too, no longer perceives his real or analog surroundings. CASE encourages us to critically question the concepts of our interpersonal communication between leaders and followers (influencers and followers). The artist creates a contemporary interpretation of a human temptation known since antiquity. Hopefully, this food for thought will inspire not only the young people on this school grounds but also the Mannheim audience to go through life with more alert eyes.
Photos documenting the creation of the CASE MA'CLAIM mural
The video documenting the creation of the CASE MA’CLAIM mural
CASE MA’CLAIM’s mural on the map
Photos: Alexander Krziwanie