Smiley III – The smile remains

A symbol everyone knows

The smiley is one of the simplest and best-known pictograms of all. With just a few lines, it creates a message that is understood worldwide: joy, approval, optimism.

In Smiley III this sign remains fully intact. The smile is clearly visible, the form unmistakable. At the same time, the layers of paint show that even simple symbols are not immutable. Small shifts, overpaintings and traces of the working process alter the effect of the motif.

Schmiertafel – When certainties begin to crack

The Schmiertafel series deals with symbols that seemingly require no explanation. Flowers, smileys or trees appear familiar and stable.

But what happens when even these simple signs lose their self-evidence? When you still know what is being depicted, but no longer exactly how it is actually supposed to look?

In Smiley III, optimism remains visible. At the same time, painterly interventions create small uncertainties and new meanings.

Between cheerfulness and fragility

Particularly striking is the light blue left eye, which clearly differs from the darker right eye. This makes the smiley appear lively and individual, almost like a figure with its own story.

The luminous yellow area radiates warmth and openness, while the visible traces of the oil painting show that even simple messages undergo change.

The painting moves between childlike directness and a reflective view of our familiar world of signs.

Round original oil painting

The circular canvas intensifies the immediate impact of the motif. Without backstory or complex symbolism, the smiley appears directly and yet unfolds a surprising depth.

Smiley III is a unique original from my studio in Wiesbaden and part of the ongoing Schmiertafel series.

You can find inspiration under

Smear board,

small formats and

yellow paintings

I have been a freelance painter since 1997 and have worked with a wide variety of themes in painting. While until 2007 I was occupied almost exclusively with expressive painting, today my focus lies more on experimental art. My personal background, as well as almost all artistic themes can be found under “About us.”

Studio in Wiesbaden – viewings by appointment.

Direct purchase and shipping also available.