Nr 24 2020

Made with pen on paper in Germany, this work by Armin Andreas Pangerl, titled Nr 24, presents us with an intriguing mix of image and text. The dense layering invites us to consider the relationship between personal expression and the broader world. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. The work seems to comment on the social structures of its own time and critiques the institutions of art. The writing is in German, and while the imagery is reminiscent of 20th century surrealism, the language used is contemporary. This gives us a sense of art's historical progress. As a historian, I am interested in the role of these kinds of notebooks. They can be a tool of self-expression, a challenge to social norms, or a form of institutional critique. Understanding the meaning of this art is contingent on understanding its social context, something we can do with the help of research resources.