Untitled

1960s

Joins the Maoist KPD/AO

During his student years he joined the Maoist KPD/AO and produced propaganda material for it. He held far-left positions: he supported North Vietnam in its resistance to American aggression and joined the League against Imperialism.

1963

Begins studying at the Düsseldorf Art Academy

From 1963 he studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy (Kunstakademie Düsseldorf), at first for three terms with the stage designer Teo Otto.

1964–1965

Moves to Joseph Beuys’s class

After three terms Teo Otto threw Immendorff out of his class because he refused to let one of his paintings serve as stage-set decoration. Joseph Beuys then accepted him as a student.

1968

Action in front of the West German parliament in Bonn

Immendorff appeared in front of the West German parliament with a wooden block labelled “Lidl”, painted in the colours of the German flag and tethered to his ankle. He was subsequently arrested for defaming the flag.

1968–1981

Teaches art at a school

He worked as a school art teacher, from 1971 in Düsseldorf (other accounts give 1969–1980), and afterwards as a free artist holding visiting professorships across Europe.