Brennende Mann (Burning Man) 1989

Michael Morgner made this intriguing, untitled mixed media piece, also known as Brennende Mann, using a combination of techniques that feel both chaotic and deliberate. The dark palette, punctuated by stark whites and grays, evokes a sense of unease, like peering into a storm. Looking at the surface, you can almost feel the textures—rough patches contrasting with smoother areas. The way Morgner layers these elements, it’s like he's building up a history, a palimpsest of marks and gestures. See that central form? It looks like a figure, or maybe a building, outlined with this nervous, squiggly line. It’s as if the artist is trying to contain something that’s just barely under control. This piece reminds me of the work of Anselm Kiefer, in that it transforms humble materials into something monumental. What I love about art like this is how it invites us to bring our own interpretations, to find meaning in the ambiguity.