Germany Postmodern
Carl Altena was a German painter. Carl Altena attended the Düsseldorf Art Academy from 1912 and took lessons from Prof. Willy Spatz (1861-1931). In 1914 he was drafted for military service and was taken prisoner in England in 1917. After his release, he settled in Mülheim an der Ruhr in 1919, became self-employed in 1925 and worked as a freelance artist from then on.
Joseph Heinrich Beuys was a German artist, renowned for his significant contributions to the realms of sculpture, painting, and installation art, which have left a lasting impact on the culture and art world. His work transcended traditional boundaries, merging art with social theory and politics, thus redefining the role of the artist in society. Beuys's unique approach to materials, incorporating substances like fat and felt, symbolized healing and insulation, reflecting his broader philosophical and ecological concerns.
Beuys's art was deeply influenced by his experiences during World War II and his academic background in natural sciences and sculpture. His concept of "social sculpture" proposed that art could transform society, emphasizing creativity as a fundamental component of human existence. This vision led him to use his performances, or "actions," as a medium to communicate his ideas, making him a pivotal figure in the Fluxus movement. Notable works such as "How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare" and "7000 Oaks" exemplify his innovative use of performance and environmental art to engage and challenge the public.
His legacy is preserved in major museums and galleries worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London. These institutions house key pieces that exemplify Beuys's diverse artistic output, from his early drawings and sculptures to his later installations and public interventions. His influence extends beyond the art world, impacting environmental activism and educational reform, underscoring his belief in the transformative power of art.
For collectors and experts in art and antiques, Joseph Heinrich Beuys remains a figure of immense interest, not only for his groundbreaking artworks but also for his profound impact on contemporary art theory and practice. To stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Beuys, we invite you to sign up for updates. This subscription ensures you are always in the loop regarding opportunities to engage with the enduring legacy of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
Sebastian Gögel is a German painter and sculptor living and working in Leipzig.
Gögel graduated from the University of Graphic and Book Arts in Leipzig and has been working with Paul Hammer (1975) in the HAGEL project since 2005. Extremely diverse in his work, working methods, themes and concerns, Gögel fits into a unique tradition of German erudite conceptual artists. Through exaggerations, caricatures, and grotesques, Gögel simultaneously utilizes and refutes morality and representationalism. The artist's surrealistic paintings and highly varied styles are appealing and horrifying at the same time.
Paul Mersmann was a German sculptor, painter, and writer, renowned for his unique contributions to art and culture. His early works, created around 1960, exhibit a transition from late surrealism to mannerism, showcasing a deep engagement with European post-baroque painting. Notably, Mersmann's paintings, such as "Furore," reflect the horrors of war through a psychological lens rather than realistic depictions.
In the 1980s, Paul Mersmann embarked on a series of murals, including notable works in the Villa Glücklich in Wiesbaden and the "Hic est finis maris" mural in Schaidt. His art provides a profound commentary on the nature of art and its evolving context throughout history. These pieces are celebrated for their originality and complexity, offering a rich narrative that blends artistic expression with cultural and historical insights.
Paul Mersmann's contributions extended beyond painting to include watercolor works and sculptures, such as the "Adlermensch" and "Rosmerta" from the late 1980s and early 1990s. His diverse body of work reflects a deep intellectual engagement with art, making his contributions invaluable to collectors and experts in the fields of art and antiques.
For those interested in exploring Mersmann's legacy further, his works and their significance offer a fascinating journey into the intersection of art, culture, and history. To stay informed about new product sales and auction events related to Paul Mersmann, consider signing up for updates, ensuring you remain connected to the evolving narrative of this distinguished artist's impact on the art world.
John Miller is an American artist, sculptor, writer, critic, and musician who lives in New York and Berlin.
He studied at the California Institute of the Arts and worked as a gallery manager for the Dia Art Foundation. Miller is currently a professor of professional art history practice at Barnard College.
His work includes photographs, installations, live mannequin exhibitions, and videos in response to current political events and sentiments. Miller has also authored critical works on representation in art.
Margarita Pueva is a Bulgarian and German painter and sculptor.
She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts, Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria. She has lived and worked in Germany since 1991 and opened the Pueva Gallery in Düsseldorf in 2003.
Pueva focused mainly on the human figure. The people in her paintings are strange, introverted, passive and vulnerable, but her work recalls the magical land of Alice and her Mad Hatter. She was inspired by medieval religious sculpture and the primitive art of Africa. Pueva's work is regularly presented in Germany, France, Italy, and the UK.
