BrücknerFischer : artist Michael Pendry and SIEMENS' Star of the South, as well as REWE Christmas images

Thorsten ROTHER accompanied the construction of the “Stern des Südens” (Star of the South) for SIEMENS. The company has been developing and realising the worldwide unique technological pioneering endeavour in collaboration with Munich-based multimedia artist Michael Pendry over the course of the last 12 months. The light installation consists of 9,000 light diodes (LEDs) by SIEMES subsidiary Osram, which shine as bright as 20,000 Christmas candles.

Thus, the installation only consumes as much electricity as a hair-dryer or two electric water kettles. Under good weather conditions, the art object can be seen from 30 kilometres afar. The diameter of the world's largest Christmas star adds up to nearly 70 meters – as much as a soccer field.

As much as 400 meters of electric cables were laid down, which a length which measures higher than the Eiffel Tower. The extra weight of the light installation is 100 kilograms per rotor blade. The LEDs cling to the windmill by the help of super space glue, which is necessary to resist the forces of 20 G which blow onto the LEDs in windy conditions, which is three times stronger than the forces which affect an astronaut at rocket launch.

It was only a few days ago, that the ‘Star of the South’ was granted the seal of the TÜV (Technical Inspection Agency). Hence, residents, drivers as well as airline passengers can fell safe.

Due to the exposed location of the A9 highway – a major traffic artery close to the airport, which is frequented by over 150,000 cars during the day – the windmill in front of Munich had been in the talks for the light installation for the very beginning.

In Autumn 2008, SIEMENS agents and Munich-based multimedia artist Michael Pendry discussed the idea for the first time, creating a symbol of particular significance for green technologies and sustainability in the advent of the world climate summit in Copenhagen. And what could stand for a sustainable handling of energy better than a windmill? The windmill's operating company, the Munich public service, agreed to offer its support for the project very early on.

In the following months, the idea became reality. That is, from the outset the focus lay on the technical feasibility. In the spring of 2009, a handful of experts from high-tech fields such as wind energy, aerodynamic, illumination or adhesive technology gathered to outline every aspect concerning the project's realisation.

Answers to vital questions had to be found: How should the LEDs be arranged, in order to ensure a minimum bearing on the windmill's aerodynamics? Which LED models should be used, what kind of glue could guarantee the LED would resist every atmospheric condition?

Monika Brückelmeier took care of Thorsten's documentary pictures' production. The agency was Planworx, with Art Director Dr. Marc Langendorf.

For REWE, Ute KAISER photographed several familiar Christmas motifs, currently on display in all REWE branches. The Gramm agency, Düsseldorf supervised the shoot. Ana Mujan took care of hair and make-up, Gisela Benzenberg saw to the styling. The yummy delicacies were arranged by food stylist LAURENT Overmans c/o TOP AGENCE.


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