Art against violence against women

The internationally renowned artist Hendrik Beikirch, who comes from Bendorf, is giving a female portrait to the women's emergency hotline and the women and girls in Koblenz, the people in the region.

A large part of Hendrik Beikirch's work is created in and for public spaces and cannot be overlooked because of its size: large, monochrome portraits of people who radiate great individuality and dignity can be found on house walls all over the world represent the original human being in his world with great respect. A perhaps threatened world. The stories these images tell are touching. The Koblenz work of art will fit into the series of these works of art.

The artwork will encourage girls and women to be visible with their strength. It will provide a counterpoint to the perception of women and girls as “victims”. And it will counter beauty ideals that are often promoted on large billboards in our city, on television shows and in the media. It will change the face of the city.

It was important to the artist to take a stand against violence against women. His work is intended to focus on the important work of the women's emergency hotline in Koblenz. The non-profit association has been working for the right to sexual self-determination of women and girls since 1991 and counteracts sexual violence in various ways. The five employees and volunteers are committed to providing quick and anonymous help for girls or women who have been raped, as well as advice and prevention.

To realize the work of art, the Bohnen family is making the facade of the Bohnen House at Mayener Straße 2-4 in Koblenz available free of charge and for an unlimited period of time. This facade is familiar to most Koblenz residents, as it has carried the distinctive advertising slogan for the Koblenz moving company Bohnen for many decades. The Bohnen family is willing to forego this advertising in favor of the women's emergency hotline.

The Koblenz Cultural Foundation, the city of Koblenz, the Sparkasse Koblenz, the Volksbank Koblenz, the Soroptimists and other committed people made the project possible through their financial support.