A.R. Penck, German Neo-Expressionist Painter and Sculptor, Dies at 77

Ralf Winkler, widely recognized as A.R. Penck, passed away at the age of 77. Renowned for his politically infused artwork, he was associated with a post-war German collective that included Markus Lüpertz, Georg Baselitz, and Jörg Immendorff. In the 1960s, he created his 'Standart' visual language in Dresden, focusing on societal themes. After connecting with gallerist Michael Werner, he clandestinely transported his art to Cologne. His inaugural solo museum showcase took place at Museum Haus Lange in Krefeld in 1971. In 1980, he moved to West Berlin, becoming part of the 'Neuen Wilden' movement. Besides being an artist, Penck was also a writer and musician, establishing the jazz ensemble Triple Trip Touch. Notable exhibitions featured Zeitgeist in Berlin (1982) and A New Spirit in Painting in London (1983). His artwork is housed in prominent collections, and a retrospective is currently displayed at Fondation Maeght until 18 June.