KREMS.- The Krems Caricature Museum is throwing a party, and everyone's invited – especially if you enjoy a good dose of satirical wit. To celebrate the 60th birthday of Michael Pammesberger, one of Austria's most prominent caricaturists, the museum is hosting a major solo exhibition, "Planet Pammesberger," running from February 22, 2025, to February 1, 2026.
Pammesberger isn't just any caricaturist; he's a chronicler of the times, fearlessly capturing the political absurdities and social quirks of Austria with his sharp pen and even sharper humor. Since 1992, his work has graced the pages of major Austrian newspapers, and since 1997, he's been a daily fixture in the Kurier. His motto? "I don't shy away from anything when I draw." And he means it.
This exhibition offers a delightful cross-section of Pammesberger's work, showcasing his evolution over the past 30 years. From his early pieces to his current takes on Austrian politics and society, the exhibit also features his illustrated travel journals, offering a glimpse into the artist's world beyond the political arena.
Curators Gottfried Gusenbauer and Anna Steinmair describe Pammesberger as a talent who expertly uses irony and humor to comment on the world around us. They hope the exhibition will encourage visitors to see things from a fresh perspective and ponder the role of satire in contemporary society.
As Austria's only museum dedicated to satirical art, the Krems Caricature Museum understands the importance of critical drawing in our world. Pammesberger's work tackles everything from the latest political scandals to broader social themes like education, health, the climate, the media, cars, activism, and even the heated debates around vaccinations. He has a knack for capturing the nuances of human behavior and transforming them into brilliant, often hilarious, art.
Gusenbauer, who is also the artistic director of the museum, notes that Pammesberger's work is like a planet orbiting the sun, constantly circling the flaws, sensitivities, and political depths of Austria. His ideas are delivered directly and confidently, often presented in multiple visual variations to emphasize the tragicomic aspects of his subjects. "This is caricature in its most beautiful and subversive form," Gusenbauer comments.
Pammesberger’s work is closely tied to journalism, and he often portrays himself in his caricatures, reflecting his role as a chronicler in ink. For Pammesberger, a caricature isn't just an illustration; it's an eye-catching and insightful comment in graphic form.
Born in Bad Ischl in 1965, Pammesberger's path to caricature wasn't a straight line. He initially studied law in Salzburg, but his passion for drawing proved too strong to resist. His talent led him to the Oberösterreichische Nachrichten in 1992 and then to the Kurier in 1997, where he's been the resident caricaturist ever since. Adding to his impressive body of work, a satirical annual review of his caricatures has been published by Ueberreuter Verlag since 2017. And now, alongside the exhibition, his new book "Planet Pammesberger" is being released, offering another way to experience his unique perspective on the world. So, if you’re ready for a dose of witty social commentary, head to Krems and explore Planet Pammesberger. You won't be disappointed.
