Michel Majerus
splash bombs 3, 2002

Artist
Michel Majerus

Title
splash bombs 3

Year of creation
2002

Technique and dimensions
acrylic on canvas, 370 x 540 cm

Year of acquisition
2005

Speed ​​is a key word for the aesthetics of Michael Majerus, whose perception is trained on the quick cuts of the video clips. Only the unknown endured. He transferred the cultural techniques of zapping and sampling, which developed into culture through the use of new media, to painting. His works have been called an "image processing machine" and not only art history was an open field, he drew from practically all areas of modern life. "burned out" and the large work "splash bombs" are two works that demonstrate irrepressible dynamism and the gestural, moving application of paint is reminiscent of the painting that Majerus himself often cited as a source, namely that of the American Expressionists of the 1960s . century. At the same time, the lettering in the picture can be seen as a successor to Pop Art. In his short life, Majerus was fatally injured in a plane crash, he left behind an extraordinary body of work and we are very happy that it was possible to acquire two works for the National Gallery's collection.

Britta Schmitz