The Kunstmuseum Moritzburg in Halle has received a major addition to its East German art collection with the donation of an abstract painting by renowned artist A.R. Penck. The large-format work, which was presented to the public for the first time on Monday, represents a significant acquisition for the museum's contemporary art holdings.
The donated artwork is titled "Der höchstgeniale Wanja kommt in höchstgeniale Höchstform" (The Most Brilliant Wanja Reaches Peak Brilliance), painted by Penck in 1975. What makes this piece particularly unique is that the Dresden-based artist created it on a damask tablecloth, demonstrating his unconventional approach to artistic materials. The painting's ironic title reflects Penck's characteristic wit and commentary on artistic pretension.
The generous donation came from Hamburg entrepreneur Michael Liebelt, who has been active as an art patron across Germany in recent years. Museum director Thomas Bauer-Friedrich expressed his gratitude for the gift during an interview with MDR KULTUR, explaining that the donor understands the financial constraints faced by publicly funded museums. "A Penck painting is anything but affordable to acquire," Bauer-Friedrich noted, highlighting the significant value of the donation.
This acquisition enhances the museum's existing Penck collection, which previously included only a self-portrait from 1976. According to Bauer-Friedrich, while the museum already owned a Penck work, "none were of this dimension," referring both to the physical size and artistic significance of the new piece.
A.R. Penck, born in Dresden in 1939, became a controversial figure during his time in East Germany. Throughout the 1970s, he clashed heavily with DDR cultural policies and spoke out against the inner-German border. His political stance and artistic defiance ultimately led to his expatriation from East Germany in 1980. His body of work is deeply influenced by East-West themes, reflecting the divided Germany of his era.
The artist, whose real name was Ralf Winkler, continued his artistic career in the West until his death in Zurich in 2017. His paintings are characterized by primitive-style figures and symbolic representations that often critiqued political and social systems. This latest acquisition allows the Moritzburg Museum to better represent the complex artistic landscape of divided Germany and the experiences of artists who challenged the system.
