- Honor Roll for Tilly: Creations Born from the "Controversial Forge"
Acclaimed Düsseldorf carnival float designer Jacques Tilly is one of the eleven new recipients of the North Rhine-Westphalia Merit Award. "We're celebrating individuals who enrich our country daily with their varied and vibrant contributions – investing significant time and energy, always keeping an eye on their fellow humans," praised Minister President Hendrik Wüst (CDU) at the Düsseldorf State Chancellery.
Tilly, known for his satirical floats in the Düsseldorf Rosenmontag parade for over three decades, was commended by Wüst in his speech. "His workshop is affectionately referred to as the 'Scandal Forge'," Wüst stated. The Düsseldorf carnival associations have bestowed upon the 61-year-old sculptor the liberty of a jester.
Political admiration: "He doesn't spare any institution, power, or authority"
"With sharp wit and a love for satire, he highlights flaws in politics and society through exaggerated but always humorous large-scale sculptures," Wüst praised Tilly's art. The artist is outspoken and brave. "He doesn't spare any institution, power, or authority," Wüst emphasized. "Where there are flaws, Jacques Tilly critically exposes them with biting satire."
His visual language is globally relatable, of high artistic value, and also stirs up contentious debates. "His floats are featured by media worldwide, gracing the front pages of German and international press following carnival," said Wüst. Each year, hundreds of thousands of eager people enjoy them.
"By bringing even sensitive political topics into sharp focus in your unique way, you're a special and respected envoy of our country," Wüst explained the award. Simultaneously, his commitment to the welfare of former residential school students, often suffering severe physical and psychological injuries, as well as victims of sexual abuse within church institutions, is also being recognized.
Two trailblazers also make up the new order bearers
The former president of the state constitutional court, Ricarda Brandts from Bochum – the first woman to head the highest NRW court – and the former state victim commissioner, Elisabeth Auchter-Mainz from Aachen, who was also the first woman in her previous role as the chief state prosecutor in NRW, are among the honorees.
During her nearly five-year tenure as state victim commissioner from 2017, Auchter-Mainz undertook pioneering work, helping countless victims of criminal and violent acts, Wüst highlighted. "You listened and saw when others looked away." The seasoned jurist has transformed victim protection in North Rhine-Westphalia into a nationwide model followed by many.
The Merit Award of North Rhine-Westphalia, established in 1986 to mark the state's 40th anniversary, is being presented this year on the 78th anniversary of North Rhine-Westphalia's establishment. The order may have a maximum of 2,500 living recipients.
The use of satire in his art, as displayed in his large-scale sculptures, allows Tilly to critically expose flaws in politics and society.In recognition of her work as the former state victim commissioner, Auchter-Mainz transformed victim protection in North Rhine-Westphalia into a nationwide model.
