A. R. Penck

A. R. Penck, born Ralf Winkler on October 5, 1939, in Dresden, Germany, was a prominent German painter, printmaker, and sculptor associated with the Neo-Expressionist movement. His work is characterized by a distinctive use of symbols and stick figures, reflecting a raw, primal aesthetic that critiques social and political issues. Penck's art gained significant attention during the Cold War era, as he navigated the complexities of life in East Germany before relocating to West Germany in 1980. His contributions to contemporary art include a unique visual language that influenced both his contemporaries and subsequent generations of artists. Penck passed away on May 2, 2017, in Zurich, Switzerland, leaving behind a legacy of challenging and thought-provoking works.