Thomas Bayrle (*1937 in Berlin, lives in Frankfurt/Main) stands in the tradition of Pop Art and repeats motifs from the mass media in his works so that the individual image is absorbed into condensed metastructures. Bayrle uses the ornamental patterns as elements in prints, sculptures, or as wallpaper in the exhibition space. His works are artistic commentaries on power structures and systems of control. The print Himmelfahrt takes up a centuries-old Christian motif, and, in the multiplication of scaled-down figures typical of Bayrle, quotes representations of the Virgin Mary that were particularly popular in medieval period.

Bayrle taught at the Städelschule in Frankfurt/Main from 1975 to 2002. Exhibitions of his work include at: Sant’Andrea de Scaphis, Rome (2019); New Museum, New York (2018); Lenbachhaus, Munich (2016); Museum Wiesbaden (2016); Museum für angewandte Kunst, Vienna (2017); Schirn Kunsthalle, Frankfurt/Main (2014); The Artist’s Institute, New York (2013); Neue Nationalgalerie, Berlin (2013); Museum Ludwig, Cologne (2012); Kistefos Museet, Oslo (2011); Kunsthaus Graz (2010); MACBA – Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (2009). Bayrle also participated in the documenta (2012, 1977) and in the Venice Biennale (2009).