The University of the Arts Berlin

Georg Baselitz (born 1938) is a German painter and sculptor renowned for his bold, inverted depictions of the human figure and his contribution to postwar European art. Known for his expressive style and emotional intensity, Baselitz’s work often challenges traditional notions of representation, using raw brushstrokes and distorted forms. His most famous works, such as his " upside-down" portraits, defy conventional perception and invite viewers to reconsider the meaning of identity and history. Baselitz has exhibited extensively in major institutions like the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Tate Modern, and his work continues to influence contemporary art.

Günter Grass (1927–2015) was a German writer, poet, and artist, best known for his novel The Tin Drum, which won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1999. His works, often blending fiction with history, explored the complexities of post-war Germany, addressing themes like guilt, memory, and the consequences of Nazi rule. Grass’s style was both darkly humorous and deeply critical, with a focus on the moral and political struggles of individuals in a fractured society. His influence extended beyond literature into visual arts, where his drawings and sculptures echoed the same critical sensibility.

Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969) mostly known by his last name, was a German-American architect and a pioneer of modernist design. Known for his minimalist philosophy of "less is more," Mies created buildings that emphasized simplicity, open spaces, and structural clarity. Iconic works like the Barcelona Pavilion, Farnsworth House, and Seagram Building showcase his mastery of materials like glass and steel, blending functionality with elegance. As the last director of the Bauhaus and a key figure in the International Style, Mies transformed modern architecture, leaving a legacy of timeless, refined design.