ibug 2016

“It’s the older visitors who used to work at the factory in particular who really take a close interest in ibug. That impresses me time and again. Often it’s the first time that they will have experienced street art as an artistic form as opposed to just scribbles that deface buildings,” explains Mandy Fischer from Meerane. This is the tenth time she has taken part. Dorothee Liebscher nods in agreement. The 29-year-old is a guide who shows visitors around the site. She arrived during the creative stage, spoke with the individual artists and is able to pass on the information she gleaned to the visitors. Like all those helping out, the art student is a volunteer. Alongside the founding principle of ibug – turning brownfield sites into temporary art spaces – it is this feeling of community that motivates artists and helpers alike. “It’s truly unique and something special.”

During the conversation, Thomas Hetze remains in the factory building, fascinated by what he sees. “It’s crazy what they’ve done to the place,” he murmurs quietly. In his hand he holds an envelope containing the last letter he received from his former employer, which he found recently when clearing out. Then he continues the journey of artistic discovery through his own history.