June 4th, 1992
Münchner Merkur
partisan of anti-culture
The painter of stark, often provocative pictures was interviewed by Andreas Maeckler.
Donald Duck was his first, Elvis Presley his second "revelation". Gottfried Helnwein reveals how he became what he now is: a partisan of anti-culture. The painter of stark, often provocative pictures was interviewed by Andreas Maeckler. The result is exciting to read from beginning to end. Helnwein expresses himself in an outspoken and direct manner, without letting himself be drawn into profound theories. It is interesting to note that he confesses not to be able to say why he paints a picture. "I have never met an artist who thinks about this while he is working. And whenever he does comment about this, he must be lying."

Eine erkundete Biographie:

Kindheit im verspießten Wien der Nachkriegszeit, Begeisterung für Donald Duck und Elvis, provokative Aktionen und Selbstverletzungen, Drogenexzesse. Die Entdeckung des Trivialen als mächtigste Ausdrucksform unserer Zeit; Kunst goes Rock’n Roll. Aber auch: das mißhandelte Kind, der versehrte Mensch als bildliche Anklage unserer verdammten Gleichgültigkeit. Vier Tage hat Andreas Mäckler Gottfried Helnwein befragt; das Ergebnis ist ein aufregendes Buch: weil es uns viel über uns und unsere Welt erzählt.

(Auszug)

Andreas Maeckler talks with Gottfried Helnwein

"Paintings should be like Rock music", is the name of the book.Paperback,192 pages, 41 black and white and 15 colored illustrations, sewed, DM 24 / Euro 13 Publishing Company C.H. Beck, München 1. edition 1992. (1-10.000 copies)ISBN 3 406 34057 1