Michael GünzerGermany

Michael Günzer (b. 1982 in Ulm, DE) is a contemporary figurative painter whose work is characterized by a “harmonious restlessness” that focuses almost exclusively on the human figure, utilizing a gritty, expressive style to dissect the “strongmen” of modern society. He frequently critiques right-wing populism and the performative nature of physical power by portraying influential figures from politics, business, and pop culture in absurd, vulnerable, or aggressive states—often shirtless, wrestling, or dressed in Dadaist costumes.

Günzer frequently uses wrestling and hand-to-hand combat as metaphors for the ruthless, deceptive tactics used in global power games. He draws inspiration from publicly available digital imagery and social media, transforming these staged realities into raw, tactile oil paintings on canvas or paper. His academic background is rooted in the German contemporary art scene; he studied fine arts at the Hochschule für Bildende Künste Karlsruhe under John Bock and later graduated as a master student of Gregor Hildebrandt in 2017. He was also a recipient of the studio support program of the Free State of Bavaria.

Currently represented by the gallery Ruttkowski;68, Günzer has exhibited across Paris, Cologne, and Düsseldorf. Notable recent and upcoming exhibitions include Abrakadabra at Basement 16 (2026), Rubber Knife at Ruttkowski;68 in Paris (2025), and Mixed Pickles in Bochum (2025). The title of his Rubber Knife exhibition refers to a martial arts training tool—a weapon that looks lethal but is a harmless toy—serving as a central metaphor for the deceptions and games played by those in power.