Andy Weiss was born in Siegen in 1958. He lives and works in Berlin as an artist and social education worker. His painting “Geist-Reise” (Spiritual journey) refers to the zeitgeist of 1990, portraying both hope, and uncertainty. It looks back at the time when Germany was divided as well as forward to the future.
Andy Weiss in the interview
The three-part painting “Geist-Reise” (Spiritual journey) shows geometric and fragmentary, symbolic images, some of which recall the time when Berlin was divided, such as a banana and an astronaut. The “modern Nofretete” in the centre of the picture seems to be flying directly towards the viewer. Next to her, there are symbols of the future: cellular structures and a sunset on a distant planet. “Geist-Reise” (Spiritual journey) portrays the zeitgeist around 1990 and looks ahead with both hope and concern into an uncertain future.
Weiss is a qualified social education worker and artist. In 1986 he moved to West Berlin where he saw an advertisement for the East Side Gallery project in a newspaper. His paintings are inspired by his extensive travels and show many different styles: sometimes figurative, sometimes abstract, colourful, or monochrome. A co-founder of the East Side Gallery artists’ initiative, he campaigned for the Gallery’s preservation for many years.