Michael Moebius is a German artist who is turning pop-art and popular culture on its head with striking, almost innocent symbolism. He's better known for his hyperrealistic and extremely detailed bubble gum portraits, which have become a favourite amongst interior designers and investors all over the world. His natural attraction to the celebrity elite and his association with them has made of him a rock star of the art world.
In this article we share 6 facts that you might not know about him.
1. HE WAS BORN IN EAST GERMANY
Michael was born in 1968 when Germany was still divided in two by the Berlin Wall, so he grew up in the communist side of Germany.
“Almost all of the items which we received from the west part of the world such as magazines, toys, soda cans were forbidden in east Berlin. As a child and growing up I would dearly hold onto the then-forbidden items… these really influenced me with their colors, designs and scents."
2. HE'S INFLUENCED BY PIN-UP ART
Michael Moebius, fell in love with art at an early age, when he first started cartooning. After later coming across a book of pin-ups by Alberto Vargas, Moebius decided that figurative art would be his line of work.
3. HE TAKES INSPIRATION FROM THE 'OLD MASTERS'
Moebius takes inspiration from Italian Renaissance artists like Da Vinci and Titian, which is evident in his craftsmanship and attention to details. He is also influenced by more contemporary names such as Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso
4. HE TRAVELLED TO THE US IN 1998
Moebius got his first big break in 1998 when he was able to travel to the United States after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His talent as a painter and photographer was readily apparent and he quickly became a sought-after favourite of collectors, including Playboy, Procter & Gamble, Glamour, Laura Biagiotti, Vogue, Vanity Fair and other well-known companies.
5. THE WORLD'S CELEBRITIES ARE INVESTING IN HIS WORK
Moebius has a natural attraction to the celebrity elite and his association with them has made of him a rock star of the art world. His work has won attention from celebrities including Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Hugh Hefner, Rihanna, David Guettaand KISS frontman Gene Simmons.
6. HIS WORK HAS BEN ON THE COVER OF THE WORLD'S BEST MAGAZINES
Moebius' works constantly grace international magazine covers; he has twice been featured on the world’s ultimate luxury magazine, The Robb Report – a huge achievement for any artist. In 2014, the magazine even rated Moebius’ art top pick in their ‘Ultimate Gift Guide’.
