The Establishment of La Paloma in Stommeln
In the heart of Pulheim, Germany, the historic Synagogue Stommeln stands as a beacon of resilience and cultural significance. One of the few synagogues in Germany to have survived the Reich Night of Pogroms (Kristallnacht) in 1938, it has since transformed into a vibrant cultural centre, hosting a series of art exhibitions and performances [1][2].
This year, the Synagogue Stommeln is set to unveil a unique and thought-provoking piece, titled "An Undeciphered Dream is Like an Unread Letter," by renowned artist Olaf Nicolai. The work, dated 2025 and copyrighted by VG Bild-Kunst Bonn, is an audio-visual and performative intervention that promises to captivate audiences [3].
The performance, scheduled to take place in the unassuming inner courtyard surrounded by brick walls, involves a cycle of movements, interpretations, and vocal expressions [2]. Each participant becomes part of the concept, reflecting on the relationship between letters and dreams. A key aspect of the performance is the release of pigeons, each equipped with GPS devices to record their flight data [4]. This data is then interpreted by musicians, who incorporate it into a musical piece, making the pigeons the 'artists' of the performance [6].
Olaf Nicolai provides only the 'operating instructions' for the performance, allowing the animal and human actors to contribute their unique interpretations [7]. The title of the work is based on a quote from the Babylonian Talmud and explores themes of dialogue, communication, interpretation of signs, and contingencies [8].
The Synagogue Stommeln has a rich history of hosting renowned artists, with a list that includes Jannis Kounellis, Rebecca Horn, Richard Serra, Rosemarie Trockel, and Alfredo Jaar [9]. This latest addition to the synagogue's artistic legacy comes after a four-year break, marking a significant return to the cultural scene [1].
The synagogue, originally built in 1881, was sold to a farmer in 1937 and disguised by covering the Star of David with mortar, transforming it into a storage room [5]. It was later repurchased by the community of Stommeln in 1979 and renovated for cultural events [6].
In addition to the performance by Olaf Nicolai, the synagogue has planned a discourse and lecture program, as well as a series of smaller performances and interventions [10]. For more specific information on individual exhibitions or Olaf Nicolai's work, it would be advisable to contact the venue directly or check their official website. The synagogue will open its doors for the last time in its usual way this year, with a new team taking the reins, pending political decisions [11].
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a hiatus in the exhibition series, making Olaf Nicolai's performance cycle the first sign of life after over four years [12]. The substantial reader published for the 30th anniversary of the exhibition series compiles and presents selected encounters with the place, space, and history [13]. Mischa Kuball, who realized a work in the synagogue in 1994, is among the new team and has remained a companion of the project [14].
As the Synagogue Stommeln prepares to open its doors once more, it serves as a reminder of the struggle to honor the memory of the nameless, as well as the famous, in the present, a theme resonating with the works of one of Olaf Nicolai's inspirations, Walter Benjamin [15]. The performance promises to be a poignant and thought-provoking event, adding another chapter to the synagogue's rich history.
- With the unveiling of "An Undeciphered Dream is Like an Unread Letter" by Olaf Nicolai, the Synagogue Stommeln, known for its diverse cultural offerings in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, travel, and sports, broadens its artistic legacy.
- The unique performance by Olaf Nicolai, scheduled in the Synagogue Stommeln's inner courtyard, combines elements of audio-visual, performative, and even sports-inspired art, as pigeons equipped with GPS devices play a key role in the musical piece.
- As the Synagogue Stommeln continues to host renowned artists such as Olaf Nicolai, it provides a platform for exploring themes of dialogue, communication, and interpretation, offering its visitors thought-provoking experiences that resonate with the memories of the past and the challenges of the present.
