Max Giermann rediscovers old passion

Comedian and actor Max Giermann ("Switch Reloaded") is reviving an old passion. "After a break of almost 20 years, I've rediscovered painting," the 49-year-old told the German Press Agency ahead of his second major solo exhibition. "I used to paint a lot as a student, but in the last decade I've painted rather sporadically, I'll call it Sunday painting."

In the Dresden gallery Holger John, under the title "Dann mal doch, Du dumme Sau!" - a quote from Klaus Kinski, whom Giermann likes to parody - around 30 works by the Freiburg-born artist can be seen until August 10. A few graphics, but mainly acrylic paintings on canvas - including his largest work to date, measuring 2.30 meters in length, which he created for John.

Giermann grew up with painting. "We painted a lot at home, my parents were art teachers and we had a studio in the basement." Consequently, he also wanted to study art. "Acting somehow came in between." Now there is even more of an urge to catch up. He wants to find his own style, not imitate anything, not emulate anyone.

Giermann still paints in his studio late at night

Art now stands alongside Giermann's other professions, he couldn't make a living from it. "As a painter, I'm still in my infancy and have yet to discover myself," he said. He tries to give painting as much space as possible, "because I also have the desire for it." The Grimme Award winner says that he is often drawn to the studio late at night.

"It's nice to feel this pull again." Painting took over from drawing about a year ago, for example cartoons. It's not the last genre Giermann will be dabbling in. "I really want to do sculptures one day, that would be the next big project."