Key Takeaways
- He is a famous German artist known for his bold neo-expressionist art.
- His work combines performance and painting, influenced by the 1980s Neo-Expressionist movement.
- He sees himself as a creative who promotes the "Dictatorship of Art." His work includes dynamic performances and mixed media.
- His creation uses many mediums, like painting, collage, and sculpture. It's influenced by Expressionism and Dada.
- Meese believes in the importance of creative freedom. His work often challenges and provokes.
A huge self-portrait, two meters tall, is the main piece in Jonathan Meese's New York show. This massive work, called "KUNST: DER WELTRAUMFAHRERZ DE MEESI!", shows his bold neo-expressionist style. It has made him a key figure in today's art scene.
He was born in 1970. He's known worldwide for his work in many areas, like performance, video, and sculpture. His art is inspired by the 1980s neo-expressionist movement. It's known for its dramatic brushwork and bold style.
But his work goes beyond one style. He aims to create a complete artwork that uses many media and ideas.
A Multidisciplinary Artist
Jonathan Meese, born on January 23, 1970, in Tokyo, is a German painter, sculptor, performance artist, and installation artist, currently residing between Berlin and Hamburg. His diverse body of work spans multiple mediums, including paintings, collages, drawings, and written works.
He also engages in theatrical productions, having designed stage sets and even written and performed in his own play, De Frau: Dr. Poundaddylein - Dr. Ezodysseusszeusuzur, in 2007 at the Volksbühne Theater. His art often explores figures from world history, ancient myths, and heroic archetypes. He currently lives and works in Ahrensburg and Berlin.
He was born as the third child to German and Welsh parents in Tokyo. In the mid-1970s, his mother, Brigitte Renate Meese, relocated to Germany, while his father, Reginald Selby Meese, a banker from Newport (Wales), remained in Japan until his death in 1988. Upon returning to Germany, Jonathan, who only spoke English, faced challenges in adapting to his new environment. After spending some time in Scotland, his mother-in-law encouraged him to study Economics.
He enrolled at the University of Fine Arts in Hamburg in 1995, where he studied under notable artists like Franz Erhard Walther, Daniel Richter, Martin Kippenberger, and others. However, he left the university without completing his degree. His talent was recognized by Daniel Richter, who recommended him to Berlin’s Contemporary Fine Arts gallery.
His first exhibition was at the Frankfurter Kunstverein as part of a group show, followed by his first solo exhibition, Glockengeschrei nach Deutz, at Galerie Buchholz in Cologne.
In 1999, Meese was commissioned by producer Claus Boje and director Leander Haußmann to create a set design for the film Sonnenallee. He even landed a small acting role as an eccentric artist. His works for the film were later exhibited at the Neuer Aachener Kunstverein in Aachen that same year.
Provocative Persona: The Dictatorship of Art
Since the early 2000s, Jonathan Meese has built a provocative image. He sees creativity as a force that stands alone, without any moral or political ties. His work includes political messages, new words, and famous faces, like Adolf Hitler and Yukio Mishima.
He says he's not taking sides, leaving it up to the viewer to decide. This has sparked debates about where artistic freedom ends and social duty begins.
His style is influenced by Expressionism and Dada. He uses bold lines and sharp shapes in his production. His work challenges the moral views of figures like Hitler and John Wayne, showing the gray areas in their stories.
"In an object there is no ideology, it's a projection."
- Jonathan Meese
His art mixes politics, history, and new words in collages and sculptures. It shows his bold provocative persona and the idea of the "Dictatorship of Art."
Neo-Expressionist Influence and Artistic Lineage
His production is deeply rooted in the Neo-Expressionist movement of the 1980s. Creatives like Albert Oehlen, Jörg Immendorf, and Martin are big influences. Their work is known for thick lines, sharp shapes, and bright colors.
But his style also reflects Expressionism and Dada. These movements focus on challenging traditional art and exploring the subconscious. This approach has sparked debates, with some accusing Meese of being too provocative.
"The avant-garde has a history that is now being reviewed and reimagined in the context of contemporary world practices."
His work is connected to the radical avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. These movements sought a fresh start in creativity. Meese's bold performances and multimedia projects reflect this spirit of innovation.
His production shows the lasting impact of Expressionist and Dada movements on today's art. His unique blend of historical influences and his own style has made him a standout creative. He has both fans and critics, proving his importance in the German Neo-Expressionist tradition.
Gestural Painting and Mixed Media Explorations
He is known for his dynamic performances and art. His paintings and mixed media works often include collage and assemblage. His paintings have thick layers, sharp shapes, and bright colors, typical of Neo-Expressionism.
His drawings and collages, however, are more broken and Dada-like. He uses many materials and techniques, like acrylic, photocopies, and ceramic figures. This mix of materials creates a complete work, blending different art forms.
His expression is bold and full of emotion, inspired by myths, pop culture, and German culture. He pushes the limits of art by using unusual materials and methods. This shows his dedication to creating a complete work of art.
Neo-expressionism, Performance, Provocation, Gestural painting
He is known for his bold neo-expressionist view. He mixes performance and gestural painting in his work. Meese sees art as a force that stands alone, without any moral or political ties. His self-portraits use symbols and cultural references in a satirical way.
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Humor in Titles and Slogans | Meese uses humor in his titles and slogans. He writes them in a made-up language similar to Anthony Burgess's Nadsat. |
Collaborative Approach | Meese works with other artists, like Albert Oehlen. They take turns painting around photos, creating unique works that blend their styles. |
Themes and Techniques | Meese's art often explores rebellion, modern primitivism, and individualism. He uses various media to express the chaos of today's world. |
Meese's art challenges traditional views and makes viewers think about the artist's role in society. His work shows the power of neo-expressionism, performance art, and gestural painting to break boundaries.
The Teutonic Thrust: Expressionism and Dada
His expression is deeply influenced by Expressionism and Dada. These movements focused on challenging traditional creativity and exploring the subconscious. His work often sparks debate, with some accusing him of promoting Nazism or bad taste.
He claims his production is politically neutral, saying that objects don't carry ideology. Yet, his use of Nazi symbols and references to Richard Wagner's anti-Semitism has faced harsh criticism. His bold style raises questions about where art ends and politics begins.
His work combines myth and pop culture, aiming to create a total artwork that merges creativity and life. This approach has made him both celebrated and criticized, placing him at the center of today's art world debates.
Collage and Assemblage: Dismantling Representation
He is known for his unique collage-drawings and mixed media assemblages. These works show a Dada-esque style, breaking down representation. He mixes pop culture images, historical figures, and new words to confuse and challenge viewers.
His collage work is about changing how we see things and tapping into the unconscious. It connects to Expressionism and Dada. By rearranging materials, he forces viewers to see things differently, making them think deeply about art, politics, and beliefs.
His assemblages are full of different things like newspaper clippings and comic book characters. He also uses religious symbols and historical items. This mix creates a confusing but interesting visual experience.
"Meese's collage-based work reflects his conceptual interests in the subversion of representation and the exploration of the unconscious, aligning his practice with the avant-garde legacies of Expressionism and Dada."
His use of collage and assemblage leads viewers through a maze of images and stories. It makes them question what representation really means. This invites a deep, thought-provoking interaction with his art.
Collage Artist | Significant Work | Year |
|---|---|---|
Hannah Höch | Cut with the Kitchen Knife Dada Through the Last Weimar Beer-Belly Cultural Epoch of Germany | 1919 |
Kurt Schwitters | Merzbau | 1933 |
Robert Rauschenberg | Combines | 1950s-1960s |
Mythological and Pop Culture Iconography
His vision explores mythology and pop culture iconography in a unique way. His works include paintings, collages, and performances. They feature a wide range of characters, from real figures like Adolf Hitler to fictional ones like Alex from A Clockwork Orange.
By mixing these icons, Meese reveals their darker sides. This challenges our views on art, politics, and power.
His work is deeply rooted in German art traditions. He draws inspiration fromExpressionism, known for its focus on war and social issues. His sculptures, like the "Soldier of Fortune" series, blend the sacred and profane.
He loves to fetishize cultural symbols. He often portrays himself as a messianic figure in his self-portraits. This is done in a satirical way. His use of invented language, inspired by Anthony Burgess's Nadsat, adds to the subversion.
He also collaborates with other creatives, like Albert Oehlen. These collaborations create new, shared artistic identities. The theatricality in his production is influenced by Viennese Actionism and his performances.
He aims to reimagine pop culture iconography through his work. He plans to create sequels to famous films, showing his vision for art. His work challenges us to see the complex sides of human nature and cultural power dynamics.
Year | Percentage of Reviewed Exhibitions by Artists |
|---|---|
2024 | 1 |
1960s/1970s | 1 |
Exhibition Name | Rating |
|---|---|
Eurostar - Galerie Buchholz | .5 |
Radical Artists of the 1960s/1970s - David Nolan | .5 |
Jenny Holzer - Sprüth Magers | |
Jacques Villeglé - Fleiss-Vallois | |
Francis Picabia & Harold Ancart - Galerie 1900-2000 | |
Frank Stella - Mnuchin |
The Kritic's Korner section featured a team of reviewers. They included Samuel Hindolo, Scott Newman, David Nolan, Almog Cohen-Kashi, and Andrew Newell Walther.
Gesamtkunstwerk: The Total Artwork
His production is all about the "Gesamtkunstwerk," or "total artwork." He uses many mediums, like performances, paintings, and mixed media. He even explores theater and music. His work is a mix of different art forms, showing his idea of the "Dictatorship of Art" since the early 2000s.
He sees creativity as a force that doesn't follow rules. His works are full of sensory chaos and challenge our views. His installations, like "Fort d'EVOLUTIONSKNOXOZ de ZARDOZEDADADDY 2," mix pop culture with his own style. This creates a unique blend that questions art, politics, and our responsibilities.
Meese's "Gesamtkunstwerk" fits into the changing creative world. Art education has evolved, influenced by new ideas and technologies. The book "Art School: Propositions for the 21st Century" talks about how art schools need to change to meet these new demands.
His work shows the shift in the avant-garde movement. Since the 19th century, this movement has been changing and being questioned. His work connects to the radical movements of the early 20th century, like Futurism and Dadaism.
Controversies and Artistic Freedom Debates
His bold style and use of provocative images have caused a lot of debate. His work includes Nazi symbols and anti-Semitic references, leading to criticism about artistic freedom. Some say his production leans towards fascism and supports harmful ideologies. He argues that his creation doesn't carry ideology, but rather, it's up to the viewer to interpret.
This debate shows how tricky it is to balance artistic freedom with social concerns. It's a complex mix of art, politics, and social responsibility.
There's a big argument about where to show performance art. Some say museums are not the right place for it. Antonio Acconci, a famous performer, was upset by Marina Abramović's show at MoMA. He felt it turned performance into theater.
After Abramović's show, there was a lot of talk about how to judge performance. It showed the hard balance between artistic freedom and social responsibility.
"In an object there is no ideology, it's a projection."
- Jonathan Meese, Artist
Performance started with the avant-garde movements of the 20th century. These movements used manifestos and broke traditional rules. Now, there's a big debate about whether performance should be shown in museums. This raises questions about how to keep and show these short-lived art forms.
Exhibitions, Controversy, and Art market
His production is known for its boldness and challenge to traditional norms. His work has been shown at top museums like the Pompidou Centre in Paris and the Städel in Frankfurt. He also has pieces in the collections of famous art lovers like Harald Falckenberg and Charles Saatchi.
His creation has greatly influenced contemporary German and international art scenes. He combines performance, painting, collage, and installation. His bold exploration of controversial themes has sparked a new interest in neo-expressionist and Dada-inspired art.
His boldness has inspired many young artists to challenge what's acceptable in art. His work continues to spark debates, but his influence is clear. Many creatives now aim to subvert dominant narratives and challenge the status quo.
His impact is especially seen in the rise of female artists. Exhibitions like Global Feminisms have highlighted the diversity of feminist voices in creativity. Women in the arts are now more willing to confront societal norms and explore new artistic expressions.
His legacy is also seen in the ongoing exploration of avant-garde and neo-expressionist. His radical approach continues to inspire artists who want to push the limits of creation. As the art world evolves, Meese's influence will remain a key part of it.
Since 1998, Jonathan Meese has garnered attention through his installations, performances, and other artistic actions in the contemporary art world. At the Berlin Biennale, curated by Klaus Biesenbach, Hans-Ulrich Obrist, and Nancy Spector, Meese reached a wider audience. During the event, he showcased the installation Ahoi der Angst, a photo-collage inspired by the Marquis de Sade, a figure that would continue to influence Meese’s later work. The collage featured politicians, actors, and musicians. Visitors could listen to music, read poems by Rolf Dieter Brinkmann, or watch the film Caligula. Additionally, posters of Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Klaus Kinski, Nina Hagen, and Oscar Wilde were on display.
Thanks to the heightened media exposure at the Berlin Biennale, Meese's work received critical attention both domestically and internationally. The art magazine Art described the installation as a "labyrinth of sentimentalities." Journalist Peter Richter also commented on the spatial nature of the piece, referring to it as a "cabinet of horrors between porn, Charles Bronson, and Slayer." Meanwhile, Berliner Zeitung characterized it as a "cluttered boy's room." Writing about the Biennale, Susanne Titz noted, "It was clear that Meese had indeed tapped into the spirit of his generation and expressed it in his work."
Since 1999, Jonathan Meese has taken part in numerous group and solo exhibitions, both nationally and internationally. His works often feature large-scale installations and performances, with Meese himself frequently as the central figure—whether through self-portraits, altered personas, or as a presence in his actions, collages, paintings, and drawings.
Thematically, his art draws from National Socialism, with references to German philosophy and literature, as well as theatrical elements. His performances often provocatively engage with the figure of Adolf Hitler, repeatedly incorporating the Nazi salute.
As noted by Karel Schampers, "Jonathan Meese has the ability to tell a story in such an engaging way that you wouldn’t think to question its truth. This quality particularly enhances his installations."
Meese has exhibited at notable venues, including "Spezialbilder" at Contemporary Fine Arts in Berlin, "Grotesk!" at Schirn Kunsthalle in Frankfurt, and "Schnitt bringt Schnitte" at Ausstellungsraum Schnitt in Cologne. Recent exhibitions include Thanks, Wally Whyton (Revendaddy Phantomilky on Coconut Islandaddy) at Stuart Shave/Modern Art in London, and a performance at Tate Modern titled Noel Coward Is Back — Dr. Humpty Dumpty vs. Fra No-Finger. His work has also been displayed at the Stuart Shave/Modern Art in London, Galerie Daniel Templon in Paris, and the Centro Cultural Andratx in Mallorca.
In 2008, Meese created an immersive multimedia installation titled Marlene Dietrich in Dr. No's Ludovico-Clinic (Dr. Baby's Erzland) at The Watermill Center in Long Island, New York.
In 2014, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA) in North Miami hosted the first major solo museum exhibition for Meese in the United States, which featured paintings combining personal hieroglyphics, collage, installations, ecstatic performances, and a wide range of sculptures in various media.
The exhibition ran from December 1, 2010, to February 13, 2011, during Art Basel Miami Beach 2010. Jonathan Meese: Sculpture was organized by the MoCA, North Miami, and curated by Bonnie Clearwater. In 2007, Meese collaborated with composer Karlheinz Essl for the installation FRÄULEIN ATLANTIS, shown at the Essl Museum in Vienna/Klosterneuburg.
At the Salzburg Festival in 2010, Meese received praise for his stage design for the world premiere of Wolfgang Rihm’s opera Dionysus. In 2016, he was offered the opportunity to direct a new production of Parsifal at the Bayreuth Festival, but the offer was later withdrawn, officially due to financial constraints.
In June 2013, Meese faced legal action for performing the Hitler salute during his stage performance Megalomania in the Art World, which was organized by Der Spiegel in Kassel. Meese claimed that the gesture was an artistic expression, and in the same year, the District Court of Kassel acquitted him of all charges.
Meese is represented by several prestigious galleries, including Galerie Templon in Paris (since 2001), David Nolan Gallery in New York, Tim van Laere Gallery in Antwerp, Galerie Krinzinger in Vienna, and Sies + Höke in Düsseldorf.
He has worked collaboratively with painters such as Jörg Immendorff, Albert Oehlen, Tim Berresheim, Daniel Richter, Tal R, and composer Karlheinz Essl.
His best-selling artwork, Agamemnon's Hähnchenbesteck (2003), was sold at Christie's London for £132,500 ($269,506) on October 14, 2007.
Collections Featuring Jonathan Meese's Work
Jonathan Meese's art is part of several prominent collections, including:
- ARTAX, Düsseldorf
- Artothek, Nuremberg
- Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris
- Proje4L / Elgiz Museum of Contemporary Art, Istanbul
- Galerie für Zeitgenössische Kunst, Leipzig
- Kunsthalle Bielefeld
- Magasin 3 Stockholm Konsthall
- Museum Abteiberg, Mönchengladbach
- Saatchi Gallery, London
- Sammlung Essl, Klosterneuburg
- Sammlung Falckenberg, Hamburg
- Federal Collection of Contemporary Art, Bonn
- Trevi Flash Art Museum of Contemporary Art, Trevi
READINGS & PERFORMANCES
2020
Lolita (R)evolution (Rufschädigendst) – You Are All Your Own Lolita!
Schauspielfest, Dortmund, Germany
2018
The New Infinity
Berliner Festspiele and Planetarium Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
A virtual reality experience/360° film featuring Jonathan Meese and his mother Brigitte, Martin-Gropius-Bau, Berlin, Germany
2017
MONDPARSIFAL ALPHA 1-8 (ERZMUTTERZ DER ABWEHRZ)
Opera by Bernhard Lang, directed by Jonathan Meese, who also designed the set and costumes, Theater an der Wien, Wiener Festwochen, Vienna, Austria
2016
100 Years of Dada
Discussion between Jonathan Meese and Adrian Notz, Art Basel, Switzerland
Press conference for Viennese festivals, Art Basel, Switzerland
Art and Design
Conversation between Jonathan Meese and Robert Eikmeyer, Hochschule Pforzheim, Faculty of Design, Pforzheim, Germany
2015
Discussion with federal judge Andreas Mosbacher and Gigi Deppe on "Art and Law", Bundesverfassungsgericht Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
You, Living in the Erzbox: L.O.V.E. de LARGE (VISIONTELEFON)
National Gallery Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Reden aus dem Maschinenraum der Kunst #6. BAYREUTH: A MISUNDERSTANDING?
Discussion with Harald Falckenberg and Jonathan Meese, Roter Salon, Volksbühne, Berlin, Germany
2014
Conversation with Clemens Meyer about the book Wege zur Diktatur der Kunst, Literaturhaus München, Munich, Germany
My Happiness and the Dictatorship of Art
Werner Spies in conversation with Jonathan Meese, Lit Cologne, Cologne, Germany
2013
The Future of Opera
Roundtable discussion, Deutsche Oper, Berlin, Germany
Performance: Generaltanz Den Erzschiller (Guido Quiller Is The Ultimate Don Gin Schiller, Ballet Yourselves Like Schnurrl' - Nonninei, It Sizzles: Dr. Schillerz (Schiller Mi On, S.V.P.), Mannheimer Nationaltheater, Mannheim, Germany
Open Your Mouth, Art Is No Ideology (Art Is No Political System), Art Is Total Love, Art Is Total Beauty (Art Is No Anarchy, Art Is Chief) -> Art Is Total Power, Art Is The Only Future. "Close Your Mouth", Lecture, Red October Gallery, Moscow, Russia
Art is No Ideology (Art is No Democracy) Art is Love. Art is DR. NO, Lecture, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv, Israel
FAQ
Who is Jonathan Meese?
He is a famous artist known for his bold neo-expressionist art. He combines performance and painting in a unique way. His work includes paintings, drawings, and sculptures that mix pop culture and history with his own political views.
What is the "Dictatorship of Art" and how does it influence Meese's work?
He believes art is its own force, free from politics. This idea shapes his art, which often features shocking performances and pieces. He uses figures like Adolf Hitler and Yukio Mishima to make a point.
How does Meese's work relate to the German Neo-Expressionist movement?
His art is influenced by the 1980s Neo-Expressionist movement. It's known for bold lines and colors. But Meese's work also reflects Expressionism and Dada, focusing on challenging norms and exploring the subconscious.
What are the key mediums and techniques in Meese's art?
He is known for his performances and paintings. His paintings have thick layers and bold colors. His drawings and collages are more fragmented, showing a Dada influence.
What are some of the controversial aspects of Meese's art?
His art has faced criticism for using fascist and anti-Semitic symbols. He claims to be politically neutral. Yet, his work challenges the line between art and politics, sparking debates.
How does Meese's work draw from German Expressionism and Dada?
His art is deeply rooted in Expressionism and Dada. He explores the subversion of representation and the unconscious. This approach has led to controversy and criticism.
How does Meese's use of collage and assemblage contribute to his artistic vision?
His use of collage and assemblage reflects a Dada-esque approach. He combines different elements, like pop culture and historical figures, to challenge our views on art and politics.
How does Meese incorporate mythological and pop cultural figures in his work?
He is fascinated by mythological and pop cultural figures. He recontextualizes them in his art, forcing viewers to see their darker sides. This challenges our assumptions about art, politics, and power.
What is the concept of "Gesamtkunstwerk" in Meese's practice?
His work is part of a larger vision, the "Gesamtkunstwerk." It spans various mediums, from performances to paintings and collages. His art is a cohesive exploration of his "Dictatorship of Art" concept.
How has Meese's work been received and exhibited?
His art has made a big impact in Germany and worldwide. His work has been shown in top museums like the Pompidou Centre and the Städel. His installations and drawings combine history, myth, and politics in a unique way.
What is the legacy and influence of Meese's work on contemporary art?
His bold approach to art has inspired many artists. He challenges what's acceptable in art, sparking debates. His influence can be seen in the work of many artists who aim to subvert dominant narratives.
Source Links
- https://magazine.artland.com/william-pym-standards-practices-volume-14-mellowing-dictator-jonathan-meese/
- https://www.sieshoeke.com/exhibitions/jonathan-meese-and-michal-jankowski
- https://hyperallergic.com/341570/the-twilight-states-of-jonathan-meese/
- https://www.academia.edu/45653146/In_a_Critical_Condition_in_The_Idea_of_the_Avant_Garde_And_What_It_Means_Today_ed_by_Marc_James_Léger_Manchester_Manchester_University_Press_2014_
- https://gradart.williams.edu/files/2012/12/2007-08-09_Newsletter.pdf
- https://www.academia.edu/45574759/Kurczynski_The_art_and_politics_of_Asger_Jorn
- https://www.saatchigallery.com/artist/jonathan_meese_albert_oehlen
- https://culturenightlosangeles.wordpress.com/category/vincent-johnson/germany/
- https://dokumen.pub/tony-kushners-postmodern-theatre-a-study-of-political-discourse-1nbsped-9781443870337-9781443864008.html
- https://www.nytimes.com/2007/11/09/arts/design/09wartlist.html
- https://whitehotmagazine.com/articles/the_index
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_art
- http://19933.biz/manhattanartreview.html
- https://s3.amazonaws.com/arena-attachments/50009/Art_School_(propositions_for_the_21st_century)_Ed._Steven_Henry_Madoff.pdf
- https://artdealers.org/gallery/david-nolan-gallery
- https://uu.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1188532/FULLTEXT01.pdf
- https://battlefront.vogue.ua/en
- https://arttable.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Changing-the-Equation-Full-Book-1.pdf
- http://www.maurareilly.com/pdf/essays/Reilly_GlobalFems_Intro.pdf
Selena Mattei
| ArtMajeur Magazine
