Zeitkapsel, Byron Co, Köln, 2024
Zeitkapsel (Time Capsule) was selected as one of six works — out of 106 submissions — for 'Kunst an Kölner Litfaßsäulen', a city initiative that transforms Köln's historic advertising pillars into an open-air museum. From April to June 2024, the work was displayed throughout the city on 27 pillars, exhibiting art in everyday public spaces.
At the heart of Zeitkapsel is an archival fragment: page 13 of an old Filipino magazine featuring photographs from the 1960s, including an image of a Köln advertising pillar. These photos were taken by Nath Gutierrez, a graduate of the 'Staatliche Höhere Fachschule für Photografie'. In May 1954, exactly 70 years ago, the school welcomed students from across Europe, America, North Africa, and Asia — an important moment in photographic history.
By placing his grandfather’s archival image onto a contemporary open-air exhibition, Byron reimagines how public spaces act as time capsules — bridging past and present, memory and transformation. A forgotten image now becomes a shared memory.
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Neuehrenfeld, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Neumarkt, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Volksgarten, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Bayenthal, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Nippes, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Agnesviertel, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Kalk 1, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Kalk 2, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Gothaerplatz, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Poststrasße, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Altstadt-Süd, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Sülz, Köln, 2024
"Zeitkapsel" on an Art Pillar, Byron Co, Zollstock, Köln, 2024
Zeitkapsel was featured on various publications: Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Kölnische Rundschau, and Kabinett Online Bonn.
The artwork is part of a larger project — 'MOMENTOUS'.
CREDITS
Artist & Photographer – Byron Co | Photographer – Nathaniel Gutierrez | Publication on Artwork – Philippines International Publishing | 'Kunst an Kölner Litfaßsäulen' Initiative – Stadt Köln, Kunsthochschule für Medien (KHM), Ströer