Solo 1988

Jörg Immendorff's painting presents us with a figure in solitude, amidst a bustling, dreamlike cityscape. The man, melancholic, is surrounded by symbols of leisure: wine, cigarettes, yet his posture speaks of isolation. The motif of the solitary figure has roots stretching back to antiquity, often representing the artist or intellectual in contemplation. Think of the philosophers depicted in ancient frescoes, wrestling with profound ideas in isolation. But here, Immendorff twists this trope. His figure is not ennobled by his solitude; rather, he seems burdened by it, a modern echo of existential angst. Note the bustling city surrounding him, a chaotic theatre filled with anonymous figures. This recalls the "memento mori" tradition, a reminder of life's fleeting nature. The contrast between the man's stillness and the city’s frantic energy evokes a deep sense of alienation, a recurring theme in modern art. It's as if Immendorff is tapping into our collective subconscious, reminding us of the universal struggle between the individual and the crowd.