Solo exhibition for Artist-comedian in Hamburg

By Alex Stuart

The exhibition at the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe is devoted to the life-work of Otto Waalkes, and includes drawings, paintings and stage props from his ‘Otto Shows’ in the 70s.  Otto became interested in hyperrealism and surrealism while studying art in Hamburg, then branching out to become a famous comedy actor; a pioneer in the field. The multi-talented artist emulated Old Masters in his paintings, injecting parody into his homages to Lichtensteins, Dalis and Picassos. His main recurring motif was the ‘Ottifant’, created when he was a schoolboy. Sid the Sloth appears from time to time as well; Otto voiced the character in the Ice Age movies!