In addition, the works of the German artist can be found in public institutions and banks, such as the Federal Commissioner for the Stasi Records Authority in Magdeburg.
VITA
Karl Oppermann (1930 - 2022)
The German artist Karl Oppermann was born in 1930 in Wernigerode, located in the Harz region of Germany. After completing his Abitur (secondary school diploma), he studied art at the University of Fine Arts in West Berlin.
1971 bis 1996
Professorship for Free Painting at the HdK, now University of the Arts, Berlin
2009
Establishment of the “Karl Oppermann Foundation” at the Harz University
2015
Awarded the Medal of Honor of the State of Saxony-Anhalt
2021
Recipient of the Federal Cross of Merit on Ribbon
STYLE
Oil paintings, collages, graphics, and watercolors
Karl Oppermann’s primary medium was oil painting, yet the lightness of his watercolors also permeated his oil works. Both techniques exhibit a special dynamism that reflects Oppermann’s distinctive style. This characteristic style also extends to his drawings, evoking the brushstrokes of illustrators from the 1920s.
ERAS
Themes
Abstract Period
Aside from his early and brief abstract period between 1952 and 1953, the German artist consistently incorporated representational references into his works. These references were often processed within larger thematic complexes such as ‘Hunters and Hunted,’ ‘boat people,’ ‘the German dream,’ or ‘Que pasa.’
Spain and Italy
In search of a free, expansive landscape to provide a contrast to city life, the German artist turned to southern Spain in the mid-1950s and then, a decade later, to the island of Elba.
Berlin Paintings
Oppermann’s early work reflects a deep engagement with the political and social challenges of his era. Until 1985, his main theme was the city of Berlin within its historical-German context, exploring the contemporary political conflicts that confronted the city.
Humanistic-Christian Approach
He also frequently explored the theme of ‘flight and expulsion.’ Prompted by the significant influx of asylum seekers in 1985/1986 (referred to as ‘boat people’), he created a series of paintings on this subject. These works, which address the experience of flight and expulsion, are now also part of the Karl Oppermann Foundation collection at Harz University in Wernigerode.
Latin America
The painter also drew inspiration from several trips to Latin America. During his first trip to Latin America, which included exhibitions in Bogota and Caracas, a newspaper critique by Luis Freres referred to Oppermann as ‘Prusiano-Latino.’ This term reflects both his deep engagement with Prussian history, stemming from his interest in political-historical enlightenment, and his emotional connection to Spain.
Harz Landscapes
Since then, similar themes have appeared directly or indirectly in his work. After moving from Berlin to a little village called Veckenstedt in 1996, located near his hometown of Wernigerode in the Harz region of Germany, the artist’s focus shifted primarily to the Harz landscape. He frequently depicted the Brocken, the region’s main mountain, and delved into the ‘Blocksberg mystique.’ Additionally, Oppermann explored still life painting, drawing new color inspirations from the diverse nature of the region.
Politics and Art
Karl Oppermann consistently addressed political issues close to his heart through his art. Most notably, in the fall of 2020, a documentary on the theme of ‘Blocksberg’ was released. In this work, he took a clear and uncompromising stand against the right-wing radical developments in Germany.
STUDIOS
Veckenstedt, Barcelona, and Elba
In addition to his work in Berlin, Oppermann maintained studios in Elba, Barcelona, and Veckenstedt in the Harz, near his hometown of Wernigerode. It was in Veckenstedt where the German artist lived until his last days.
Karl Oppermann Foundation
In collaboration with Harz University, the German artist established the 'Karl Oppermann Foundation' in 2008, featuring a collection of large-format oil paintings.
This initiative is unique among the universities of applied sciences in the state of Saxony-Anhalt. Oppermann contributed paintings with international themes, which are now accessible to the general public through donation or permanent loan at the Wernigerode University Library. In 2009, the painter expanded the foundation with a portrait of Alexander von Humboldt and a large-format triptych. These paintings explore themes of self-discovery, departure, and the pursuit of happiness, as well as issues such as flight, expulsion, and the struggle for survival.
PRESENCE IN
German and international museums
- Jewish Museum Berlin
- Prussian Cultural Heritage Foundation / Kupferstichkabinett Berlin
- State Museum Bonn
- Kupferstichkabinett Dresden
- National Library of Madrid
- Berlinische Galerie
- Berlin Museum Foundation
REVIEWS
about Karl Oppermann
Wiebke von Bonin, the art critic of Westdeutscher Rundfunk, wrote: ‘And if you really want to get to know Karl Oppermann, take a look at his drawings. With all his spontaneity, he is here, with a sure stroke, he puts a figure on paper, often just a hint of form that the eye effortlessly completes.’ (…) ‘Oppermann’s drawings are a unique medium that he masters ingeniously.’ (Catalog Stiftung Burg Kniphausen, Dr. Wiebke von Bonin – cultural editor of WDR)
In 2015, Michael Freitag wrote the preface for the catalog ‘Pinturas’ for Oppermann’s 85th birthday.
Important texts about Oppermann can also be found in the NBK catalog ‘Berlin Artists of the Present, Issue 7,’ the foreword by Helmut Börsch-Soupan in ‘Berlin Paintings’ 1963-86 by Ernst A. Busche, and in ‘Prusiano Latino’ (biography) by Kerstin Englert.
“Künstler der Gegenwart”
Helmut Börsch-Supan
Berlin 1975
“Les Vagants”
Andrezej Wirth
Genova 1983
“Berlin Bilder 1963-1986”
Ernst A. Busche
Nicolai, Berlin 1986
“Jäger und Gejagte”
Ernst A. Busche
Berlin 1989
“Karl Oppermann Prusiano Latino”
Kerstin Englert
Gebr. Mann Verlag Berlin 1995
Catalog Burg Kniphausen
Wiebke von Bonin
Wilhelmshaven 1995
“Simplicissimus und Courage”
Christian Juranek
Renchen 2004
Foundation Brochure Catalog
Christian Juranek
Wernigerode 2010
Foundation Brochure Catalog
Armin Willingmann
Wernigerode 2010
SELECTION
Solo exhibitions
Karl Oppermann has an extensive history of significant national and international exhibitions. Please note that group exhibitions are not listed here.
1959
Berlin
Galerie Rosen
1963
Berlin
Galerie Gerda Bassenge
1965
Berlin
Haus am Lützowplatz
1968
Oberhausen
Museum Schloss Oberhausen
1969
Prag
Galerie U Recickych
1970
Bonn
Residence of the German Federal President
1971/73/75
Berlin
Galerie Gerda Bassenge
1975
Berlin
Große Orangerie Schloss Charlottenburg
1977
Genua
Galleria d’Arte
1980
Lima
Museo d’Arte
1987
São Paulo
Museo de Arte
1988
New York
Shea & Beker Gallery
1991/92/93
Berlin
Galerie Ludwig Lange
1993
Barcelona
Sala d’Arcs
1994-2003
Berlin
Galerie Enno Becker (annually)
1995/2000/03
Wernigerode
Kunst- und Kulturverein Wernigerode
1995/2007/15
Wilhelmshaven
Burg Kniphausen
2002
Halle (Saale)
Kunstverein Talstraße
2005/10
Berlin
Universität der Künste
2007/09
Potsdam
Galerie Bauscher
2008
Brüssel
Vertretung des Landes Sachsen-Anhalt
2012
Plovdiv/Bulgarien
Städtische Kunstgalerie
2012
Hamburg
Galerie im Grand Elysée
2014/2015
Barcelona
Deutsche Handelskammer für Spanien (AHK)
2015/2016
Quedlinburg
Feininger Galerie
2015/16/19
Berlin
Galerie Mutare
2016
Neustadt / Weinstraße
Stadtmuseum Villa Böhm
2017
Berlin
Galerie Petra Lange
2017
Göttingen
Galerie Art-Supplement
2019
Leipzig
Tapetenwerk Leipzig
2019
Naumburg
Galerie am Marientor
2019
Leipzig
Stritz-Galerie