Junk-Skull William
Mixed media drawing on newspaper, portrait format • Herbert Volkmann (German, 1954–2014)
Style & Movement
Contemporary German Expressionism / Outsider Art influence. Volkmann was associated with the 'Berlin-Kreuzberg' scene and the 'Punk-influenced' art movement.
Medium & Technique
Ballpoint pen, charcoal, and colored fiber-tip markers applied over printed newspaper newsprint. The technique involves a gestural layering of ink and graphite to create memento mori imagery.
Creation Period
Circa 2005–2014
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 40 x 30 cm (standard newspaper sheet size), Portrait format, framed in a shadow box style.
Subject Description
A portrait of a male figure wearing a hat and glasses, overlaid with skull iconography (skeletal jaw, nasal cavity). The person's face is embellished with symbols, including a star on the forehead and facial markings. The background consists of German-language newspaper columns discussing political and military themes (Israel, IRA, North Korea).
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good. The newsprint shows natural yellowing (acidification) and slight undulation, which is characteristic of the ephemeral support material used.
Estimated Market Value
$800 - $1,500 USD
Auction Estimate
$600 - $1,200 USD
Provenance History
Acquired directly from the artist or through the Berlin contemporary art market. Volkmann's work was frequently sold through local galleries in Berlin-Mitte or Kreuzberg.
Art Historical Significance
Volkmann is a cult figure of the Berlin art scene. His work is significant for its raw, unfiltered commentary on mortality and society, often using found materials to reflect the transience of life. His 'Schädel' (Skull) series is his most recognized body of work.
Notable Features
The juxtaposition of the skeletal 'Vanitas' imagery against late-20th/early-21st century news headlines creates a socio-political narrative typical of Volkmann's subversive style.
Condition Issues
Visible acidification and browning of the paper (standard for newsprint). Slight horizontal creasing where the newspaper was originally folded. Presence of reflections suggests non-UV protective glass may be in use.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend archival mounting and the use of UV-filtering museum glass to prevent further yellowing of the newsprint. Maintain in a low-humidity environment to prevent the paper from becoming brittle.
Collector Notes
Junk-Skull William by Herbert Volkmann