Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne is home to one of Germany’s most esteemed art collections, from Goya and Manet to Van Gogh and Warhol. Last month, however, visitors and employees alike witnessed an unexpected painting in the institution that was allegedly put on view by one of its own staff.
First reported by the German newspaper Süddeutsche Zeitung, the 51-year-old technician and aspiring artist was fired for hanging his own artwork next to works by Warhol for eight hours “in the hope of achieving his artistic breakthrough”, according to local authorities. “The employee considers himself as an artist and most likely saw his role in the museum’s installation team as a day-job to support his true calling,” a museum spokesperson told the Guardian.
The incident first occurred on February 23, but was only made known to the public this past Monday, April 8. While the anonymous technician was fired from his post, he is unlikely to face serious charges, as the only offense was drilling a few holes into a wall. Pinakothek also chose to disclose the painterly style and depictions made in the work to discourage future “copycat pranksters.”
