A.R. Penck, German Neo-Expressionist of Cold-War Era, Dies at 77

William Grimes | The New York Times | 7th May 2017

Ralf Winkler had a problem – the popularity of his art in West Germany brought unwanted attention from the Stasi. Using pseudonyms like A R Penck didn’t help much and he left for West Berlin in 1980. With a bigger audience for his distinctive stick figure imagery, he became a leader of German Neo-Expressionism. Penck apparently never regretted the move. Besides, it facilitated his other passion – jazz drumming.