Anna-Lindh-Primary School

The Mapquilt Tree is a sculpture in the form of a stylised tree situated in the school’s forecourt. The tree’s canopy is based on the concept of a quilt and visually reflects the Wedding district: streets and paths are transformed into stainless-steel branches and frame built-up plots on translucent plastic panels.

An integral part of the work is the story “The Mapquilt Tree”, which is to be published as an illustrated children’s book. The surreal narrative evokes powerful and memorable images that reinforce the poetic approach of the concept.

The Artist
Stephanie Imbeau grew up between Canada and the United States and has lived in Berlin since 2016. She received her Master’s degree in Fine Art from Newcastle University (2007) and a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Ohio State University (2004). In her artistic practice, she explores the ways in which people attempt to forge connections between themselves and others. She uses a variety of media, with a particular interest in materials that possess the contrasting qualities of utility and fragility, such as clay, cardboard and fabric.

The Anna Lindh School is a place where people learn and live together, and where diversity is seen as a strength. Thanks to the school’s inclusive approach, children and young people with different abilities and backgrounds learn with and from one another.

An accompanying educational programme featuring the artists Natasha Todd and Heather Purcell is being held in conjunction with The Mapquilt Tree. Taking the multi-part artwork as their starting point, pupils will use their own drawings, maps and exploration tasks to forge their own connection with their local neighbourhood and with the art on the building.

On 2 February 2024, the jury met to judge the two-stage, Berlin-wide, open and anonymous art-in-public-space competition for the new primary school building at Reinickendorfer Straße 60 in 13347 Berlin. Chaired by the artist Renate Wolff and following extensive discussion, the jury unanimously recommended the implementation of the design “The Mapquilt Tree” by the artist Stephanie Imbeau. A gross sum of €220,000 is available for the realisation of the public art project.

“The Mapquilt Tree” enriches the district’s public art with a unique sculptural object of high artistic merit and value.

The competition entry “Von Tieren und Pflanzen” by artist Inken Reinert (with Jens Engelhardt, Beatrice Jugert and David Star) came second, whilst “Wilkommen!” by Silvana Tiller-Tapanova came third.