Artists before they were famous
The exhibition "Paperworlds" presents more than 60 drawings by children and teenagers who later became famous artists - among them Jonathan Meese and Norbert Bisky. Is such early work indicative of great talent?
'Cabin party' by Jonathan Meese
This harmless drawing of lollipops and lanterns hardly raises any suspicions about the artist's later career: Scandal-ridden Jonathan Meese once had to appear before court following allegations that he had used Nazi symbols in his artwork. The case was later dropped. At age six Meese probably wouldn't have dreamt that he would one day be the "enfant terrible" of the German art scene.
'Jungle' by Katja Strunz
The Berlin artist created this painting at age 12. Tarzan is sitting on an elephant, in the right corner, a tiger is painted in a naturalistic style. The scene is surrounded by bizarre colorful plants, reminiscent of a dream world. Even now the sculptures of Katja Strunz are surreal, though less colorful. She says her central theme is "the folding of time and space."
'Bombardment' by Tal R
The childhood paintings of Tal R reveal a darker side: armed men, tanks and war ships. Strong black strokes reminiscent of muzzles, dominate this drawing, which he created at age eight. Tal R, formally Tal Rosenzweig Tekinoktay, was born during the Six-Day-War in Israel. The family later moved to Denmark.
'Dog Barber' by Axel Geis
A child's imagination knows no boundaries. Axel Geis, aged six, portrayed his poodle during a visit at the dog barbershop. The precision of details, such as the mirrors, is impressivre. Today, Geis is one Germany's figurative art stars. His focus is on historic paintings and portraits.
'Perry Rhodan' by Michael Kunze
The influence of popular youth culture can be seen in some of his sketches: Michael Kunze, born in Munich, produced this space battle with a felt pen at age 11. This work of art was inspired by the science-fiction-series "Perry Rhodan." The stories, published weekly, were popular during the 1970's and 80's.
'Untitled' by Uwe Henneken
Berlin-native Uwe Henneken created this sketch when he was eight years old. Back then, his dream was to become an archaeologist. But this portrait of a girl with trees growing out of her ears shows his propensity toward fantasy. Clowns and fairy tale figures in abstract landscapes are prominent in his present works.
'Parade' by Norbert Bisky
Norbert Bisky, raised in former East Germany, penciled this sketch of a military parade when he was seven years old. Recognizable are soldiers forming an honor guard, as well as the presence of transport vehicles. Clearly, the presence of East Germany's army left a big impression on Bisky.
'Hiddensee' by Norbert Bisky
At age 14, Bisky created this almost impressionistic painting inspired by Hiddensee, an island in the Baltic Sea. Even then the young Bisky used professional tempera paint. Bisky, a representative of new realism, is now considered one of Germany's most important artists. He is the son of Lothar Bisky, the former head of East Germany's leftist political party.
'Little Red Riding Hood' by Via Lewandowsky
At just four years old, Via Lewandowsky painted one the most famous Grimm Brothers' fairy tales: Little Red Riding Hood. Nowadays, the artist is renowned for his sculptures and installations at many public locations throughout Germany. Lewandowsky is among the 19 artists whose childhood works are being shown in the "Paperworlds" exhibition at the "me Collectors Room Berlin."