Early Works
1970–1982
“I have always drawn. Since the age of twelve, I drew regularly, and by fourteen, I painted my first oil paintings. In 1973, I went to the USA as an exchange student and developed a daily artistic practice. Back in Europe, I traveled to major cities, visiting museums and exhibitions—hitchhiking to Munich to see an Egon Schiele exhibition. At sixteen, I had the opportunity to visit Varlin in his studio in Bondo, and at eighteen, I went to Cadaqués to meet Salvador Dalí. In the 1970s, his house was open, and I stayed for a week. I gave the master three drawings, to which he responded that I should practice. And that is exactly what I do every day!
As a teenager I set up my first studio in a tiny basement compartment. At that time I was influenced by the Surrealists, Impressionists and Expressionists whom I deeply admired. I was painting on wood, using transparent glazes, enhancing the surface textures, a practice that I still use up to this day.
In 1984, as a student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, I gave up painting and began working conceptually—creating sculptural objects and installations, initially centered around the theme of “painting.” It wasn’t until 35 years later that I unpacked my old oil paints and brushes and resumed painting.” RB (December 2024)
“I have always drawn. Since the age of twelve, I drew regularly, and by fourteen, I painted my first oil paintings. In 1973, I went to the USA as an exchange student and developed a daily artistic practice. Back in Europe, I traveled to major cities, visiting museums and exhibitions—hitchhiking to Munich to see an Egon Schiele exhibition. At sixteen, I had the opportunity to visit Varlin in his studio in Bondo, and at eighteen, I went to Cadaqués to meet Salvador Dalí. In the 1970s, his house was open, and I stayed for a week. I gave the master three drawings, to which he responded that I should practice. And that is exactly what I do every day!
As a teenager I set up my first studio in a tiny basement compartment. At that time I was influenced by the Surrealists, Impressionists and Expressionists whom I deeply admired. I was painting on wood, using transparent glazes, enhancing the surface textures, a practice that I still use up to this day.
In 1984, as a student at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, I gave up painting and began working conceptually—creating sculptural objects and installations, initially centered around the theme of “painting.” It wasn’t until 35 years later that I unpacked my old oil paints and brushes and resumed painting.” RB (December 2024)
Selfportrait, 1973, Pencil and watercolors on paper
Selfportrait, 1984, Pencil on paper
Selfportrait, 1987, Ink on paper
Selfportrait, 2021, Ink on paper
Selfportrait, 1987, Photo on emusion on found object
Woman with Vase, 1978, oil on canvas
Sunflower – Hommage to Schiele, 1975, Oil on canvas
Woman with red glasses, oil painting on found object
Torso, 1984, oil paint on rough canvas
At the End (Am Schluss) – Hommage to Kafka, 1979, Oil on canvas
Art c’est moi, 1991, assemblage, collection Centre PasQuart Biel Switzerland