Otto Waalkes

Otto Waalkes (*1948 in Emden) is one of Germany’s best-known comedians, musicians and artists. In addition to his career as an entertainer, which has made him a cult figure since the 1970s, Otto has also established himself as a visual artist.

He already devoted himself to painting during his studies at the Hochschule für bildende Künste in Hamburg. Today, his works can be seen in galleries and at exhibitions – always characterized by his unmistakable humour. Particularly famous are the Ottifants, whimsical cartoon elephants that he developed as a trademark and which appear again and again in his pictures.

In his art, Otto Waalkes combines classical models with parodic reinterpretations, for example of paintings by famous masters. He manages the balancing act between tongue-in-cheek entertainment and artistic expression. With projects such as the “Global Gate” in Hamburg, he proves that his creativity extends far beyond stage and screen and has found a firm place in the contemporary art scene.