Wendland, born in 1995 in Leonberg, Germany, and currently based in Karlsruhe, finds inspiration in the everyday moments around him, always on the lookout for creative potential in the ordinary. His paintings often transcend traditional narrative boundaries, opting instead to create scenes where character and color take center stage. His works feature bold, exaggerated characters, bringing the dynamic energy of animation into the more static world of painting.
Graduating from the Academy of Fine Arts in Karlsruhe under the mentorship of Tatjana Doll, Wendland has already made his mark on the international art scene. His work has been exhibited in galleries across Spain, Germany, France, Italy, the USA, Denmark, and Luxembourg. Recently, his vibrant creations have gained further recognition, appearing on the cover of MONOPOL Magazin and in the renowned French publication Le Monde Diplomatique.
André Wendland’s artistic practice is rooted in the vibrant world of cartoons and popular culture, which he channels into his work with a bold, colorful aesthetic. Known for infusing wit and humor into his pieces, Wendland brings a sense of playfulness to his oil paintings through the use of bright, vivid colors. His cartoon-like figures often dominate the visual space, creating a dynamic and immersive experience that invites viewers to engage with his work on multiple levels.
In his approach, Wendland often works thematically, creating series that explore humorous, caricatured subjects. These works, with their flat, expansive color fields, provoke both laughter and empathy, offering a unique combination of lightheartedness and depth. While the subject matter is significant, it is the act of painting itself that holds the most importance. Wendland's process is spontaneous and fluid, often beginning with sketches on an iPad that allow him to capture his ideas quickly before translating them into his signature style on canvas. His joy for color and the materiality of oil paint is evident in every brushstroke, as he continuously pushes the boundaries of cartoon-inspired expression within fine art.
Through his work, Wendland creates an energetic dialogue between the worlds of animation and fine art, inviting viewers to see everyday life through a lens of humor and bold visual language.