The Artistic Evolution of Werner Büttner
Born in Jena, Germany, Werner Büttner moved to Munich with his parents in 1961 before relocating to Berlin in 1968. After studying law at the Freie Universität Berlin from 1973 to 1977, he worked as a social assistant in the Tegel correctional facility. His early career was marked by the founding of various organizations, such as the Dum-Dum-Liga-Journal and the Liga zur Bekämpfung des widersprüchlichen Verhaltens, the latter established with Albert Oehlen. During the 1980s, Büttner was associated with the Neuen or Jungen Wilden movement, a group of painters who advocated for a Rückkehr der Malerei, or a return to painting, moving away from conceptual art. His work during this period was characterized as neo-expressionist and neo-dadaist, often utilizing humorous and sarcastic references to everyday life within his titles and subjects.
Teaching and Later Works
Büttner’s influence extended into academia, where he served as a lecturer and later as a professor at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste in Hamburg from 1989 to 2021. During his tenure, he taught painting and was involved in university politics, mentoring students such as Daniel Richter and Matvey Slavin. In addition to his teaching, he co-founded the Meter-Verlag with Albert Oehlen. His later artistic focus has shifted toward neo-dadaist collages, which have been exhibited at venues like the Deichtorhallen in Hamburg. His work is held in several collections, including:
Questions & Answers
In which historical period did Werner Büttner work?
Werner Büttner worked in the Contemporary period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.
Where is Werner Büttner from?
Werner Büttner was born in Germany.
Where are Werner Büttner's artworks organized by color?
The Spectral Index page organizes Werner Büttner's artworks by color.
What are the birthplace and birth year of Werner Büttner?
Werner Büttner was born in Jena in 1954.
