AndréThomkins
Biography
André Thomkins (1930, Lucerne, Switzerland – 1985, Berlin, Germany ) was a Swiss artist and poet, known for his experimental techniques, linguistic creativity, and playful approach to art. His work combined elements of Surrealism, Dada, and conceptual art, making him a unique figure in 20th-century European art. Born in Lucerne, Switzerland, Thomkins later moved to Germany, where he engaged with post-war avant-garde movements. He developed a distinctive artistic language, often merging visual forms with wordplay and unconventional materials. One of his signature innovations was the “Lackskin” technique, in which he manipulated floating layers of lacquer on water to create intricate patterns before transferring them onto paper. Throughout his career, Thomkins maintained close collaborations with fellow artists, including Dieter Roth and Daniel Spoerri, contributing to experimental art circles such as Eat Art. His interest in language games, palindromes, and anagrams further demonstrated his fascination with structure, rhythm, and absurdity. Between 1971 and 1973, he taught at the Kunstakademie Düsseldorf, where he influenced younger artists with his inventive methods and interdisciplinary thinking. While his work was not widely exhibited during his lifetime, posthumous retrospectives have highlighted his impact on contemporary art, with institutions showcasing his paintings, drawings, word experiments, and conceptual projects. Thomkins passed away in Berlin in 1985, leaving behind a body of work that continues to inspire artists, writers, and audiences with its imaginative and unconventional spirit.
