Markus Meurer
Markus Meurer (born 28 April 1959 in Monreal, Germany), is a German outsider artist. He transforms found objects into sculptures and collages. Life and work. Markus Meurer learned already as a child how to make figures using wire and pliers. His father, who was an Outsider Art artist himself, taught Markus in his early years how to use these tools to make objects. But while the father built items like motorbikes in as realistic a fashion as possible, the son created his pieces with great, free spirit. He connected found objects, things and materials that were normally considered  trash, with wire, giving them a new life. He transformed these artifacts into mythic creations, hybrid creatures of animal, man, and machine. Since he could not support himself with his art, he earned some money with casual jobs, anything that came his way. Up to 2006 he lived in the house of his parents in Monreal, Eifel, Germany. Over the years he turned this house into a Gesamtkunstwerk, a total, comprehensive work of art. After the death of his parents, life in Monreal became more and more difficult for Meurer. From 2006 to 2008 he lived with his British wife  in England. Here he wrote his book "Die Plange Angst" ("Glaring Fear"). With the help of friends Markus and his wife returned to Germany, to Kevelaer on the Lower Rhine, where they now live. His apartment is his home as well as his studio, and also serves as exhibition space. Meanwhile, the house of his parents was declared unsafe and uninhabitable and was torn down by the town of Monreal. Markus’ work was made known in Germany as well as abroad with the help of art lovers around Kevelaer. These past years his work includes more and more collages that  demonstrate his philosophy and unique picture of the world.