Fred Thieler (1916 - 1999)

Fred Thieler

Fred Thieler was a German abstract artist known for his colorful, gestural paintings. He was born in Königsberg, Germany, and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Königsberg before moving to Berlin in 1945.

Thieler's early work was influenced by the Expressionist and Surrealist movements, but he soon developed his own unique style characterized by bold colors and dynamic brushstrokes. He often used a palette knife to apply paint to the canvas, creating thick, impasto layers that added depth and texture to his works.

Throughout his career, Thieler participated in numerous exhibitions in Germany and internationally, including the Venice Biennale and Documenta in Kassel. He was also a member of the influential German art group "Quadriga," which included artists such as Bernard Schultze, Karl Otto Götz, and Otto Greis.

In addition to painting, Thieler also worked as a graphic designer and a teacher. He was a professor at the Academy of Fine Arts in Berlin from 1965 to 1981, where he had a significant impact on the next generation of German artists.

Thieler's work can be found in many private collections and museums, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, and the Museum Ludwig in Cologne.