Status: 24.12.2023, 13:00 PM
By: Andreas Sachse
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On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the art workshop Atelier Augustinum, the artists and director of the studio Klaus Mecherlein (4th from left) came together. © Dieter Michalek
The Atelier Augustinum is Oberschleissheim's hotbed of talent for artists with cognitive impairments - one of them has even exhibited in Paris.
Oberschleissheim – On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Atelier Augustinum art workshop, the Augustinum family celebrated an anniversary get-together with guests. The studio at Hirschplanallee 2 in Oberschleissheim, which is affiliated with the Augustinum, a service and aid organization for people with disabilities, is home to 14 cognitively impaired people, i.e. mentally handicapped people. Painting, photography, sculpting: what is offered to the disabled in the Atelier Augustinum has nothing to do with occupational therapy or the attempt to provide psychotherapeutic support to a patient. Klaus Mecherlein's clients see themselves as real artists – and they should.
Mecherlein, who set up the studio 30 years ago, is the founder of the euward archive, Europe's largest archive of art by disabled artists. The studio offers its clients the opportunity to work full-time as an artist. The working time is remunerated. Proceeds from sold works also benefit them. A small donation goes to the Augustinum. "We provide infrastructure and materials," says Mecherlein. Over the years, art careers have started out of the Oberschleissheim studio.
Artist Julius Hartauer has already exhibited in Paris
Patrick Siegl and Julius Hartauer are currently the driving forces. The 26-year-old Hartauer has already exhibited in Paris. Art collectors have their eye on the young man, who lives at home in Freimann with his parents. Patrick Siegl, on the other hand, is the recipient of the euward Prize. An entrepreneur finances a scholarship for him. Mecherlein is enthusiastic about the way in which the disabled artists process what moves them. Patrick Siegl likes to work with buildings or urban structures. His focus is on minimalization. At times, Mecherlein even feels compelled to take a magnifying glass. Siegl does not need such aids. During Corona, the disabled artist dealt with totalitarian architecture. Siegl linked the U.S. flag with the hammer and sickle, and connected the federal eagle with the Templar cross. "I am my own Emperor" is written under one part of the building and "Republique le Patrique".
A fan of anime: Zohra Takir, who has recently become part of the Atelier Augustinum. © Dieter Michalek
Julius Hartauer, on the other hand, deals with two categories. Geometrically interwoven landscapes with roads, lakes and an animal park alternate with imaginative, surreal calendars of the future. His "Perpetual Calendars" are extremely popular. The way Hartauer works with symbols, colours and aesthetics fascinates Mecherlein deeply. What it means to be taken seriously as a disabled artist was clearly felt at the anniversary get-together in the studio. The artists exude self-confidence, like Zohra Takir.
The 18-year-old from Munich has what it takes to be a rising star. Zohra Takir is proud to be a child of several nationalities. Her ancestors come from Morocco, Spain and South Africa, among other places, she reveals. Zohra Takir is into anime. Her characters, borrowed from movie characters such as Mary Poppins, are reminiscent of Japanese cartoons. The 18-year-old, who lives with her parents in Munich, has only been at the Atelier Augustinum in Oberschleissheim for a few weeks. Director Klaus Mecherlein already thinks highly of her art.