Udo Lindenberg
Comet-like panic – liqueurs, udograms, naked nudes & much more.
The Brost Foundation brings the entire Udoversum to the Ruhr area!
29.06.25 to 18.01.26
Since the mid-1990s, the universal genius Udo Lindenberg has created an extensive, highly recognizable oeuvre. The human family frolics happily and lovingly in peaceful coexistence. Astronauts and vampires appear on the canvas, as do Detective Coolman, Elli Pyrelli, Rudi Ratlos, the Cod Family, and the Piano Teacher. And above it all, a comet flies off.
The brilliant multitalent, who made music history as a singer and created an idiosyncratic, colorful, comic- and cartoon-inspired oeuvre as a painter and illustrator, is presented in all his facets in this comprehensive exhibition. Serious topics such as the cycle on Goethe's major work Faust, the discussion of the biblical Bids or his clear political stance in the fight against right-wing sentiment – with the Dick heads a separate species was created – stand next to the lively nude nudes or the sailing Andrea Doria.
The black contour line defines his figures and reveals the master's handwriting. Muses and goddesses are just as much a part of his regular cast as the Paniker himself: hats and sunglasses are synonymous. With the liqueurs, Lindenberg has developed a unique technique, the name of which he has patented. The wide range of colors is astonishing: banana liqueur for a dark yellow, eggnog for a light yellow, peppermint liqueur for green, cherry liqueur for red, and Blue Curaçao for blue.
What is unique is that the exhibition, with very early, never-before-exhibited drawings and sketches, allows the development of his unconventional style to be traced. Already on the album lively from 1979, Udo draws himself on the inside cover, the album Hammering of the Gods In 1984, he included a poster drawn in pure contour lines. From the udograms emerges a fantastic cosmos with the panic president at the top.
The Brost Foundation is making this unique art exhibition of Udo Lindenberg's works possible. Its mission is to support projects focused on the Ruhr region and with an impact far beyond. Prof. Bodo Hombach, Chairman of the Board of the Brost Foundation, stated: "The Brost Foundation supports projects by the multi-talented Udo Lindenberg in and for the Ruhr region. The troubled Ruhr region needs strong allies. Lindenberg's messages are credible because they are authentic. They have an impact. His authority transcends generations."
Udo Lindenberg, whose roots are anchored in North Rhine-Westphalia: "Yeah! The Udoverse is slamming into the heart of the Ruhr region like a comet. Udo is coming home to North Rhine-Westphalia. My babies, my paintings, can move into the fine Oberhausen Castle, just like the entire Panik history."
Thanks to the Brost Foundation, the entire building ensemble of the LUDWIGGALERIE can be dedicated to an artist for the first time: The Kleine Schloss presents Lindenberg's biography exclusively through his musical works and shows. From his beginnings as a drummer in North Rhine-Westphalia to his No. 1 hit Comet, the entire Udoversum in the Ruhr area becomes visible!
Further information on the museum’s educational offerings and the supporting programme accompanying the exhibition can be found at www.ludwiggalerie.de.
The LUDWIGGALERIE is supported by the Friends of the Gallery. The LUDWIGGALERIE's cultural partner is WDR 3.
Available Services
Panic for Peace
In the middle of the Udoversum shines a symbol of peace: Together with Udo Lindenberg, we designed a peace symbol that hangs on the castle balcony of the LUDWIGGALERIE.
And the symbol is meant to shine further into the world: as a table lantern and window decoration, casting a bright message of peace into the night. A simple gesture that demonstrates conviction. Udo's peace as an artistic protest against violence, war, and hatred.
exhibition program
A moving Advent calendar at the LUDWIGGALERIE – In the spirit of peace – Curator-led tour of the Udo Lindenberg exhibition with Dr. Sarah Hülsewig
Friday, December 5, 2025, 15 p.m.
The event is free of charge in conjunction with museum admission.
Registration is required at ludwiggalerie@oberhausen.de or 0208 41249 28.
Curator's tour of the exhibition Udo Lindenberg with DR. CHRISTINE VOGT, Director of the LUDWIGGALERIE
Sunday, December 7, 2025, 15 p.m
The event is free of charge in conjunction with museum admission.
The number of participants is not limited. No reservations are necessary.
Curator-led tour with FRANK BARTSCH, archivist Udo Lindenberg and co-curator of the exhibition
Friday, January 16, 2026, 14:XNUMX p.m.
The event is free of charge in conjunction with museum admission.
Registration is required at ludwiggalerie@oberhausen.de or 0208 41249 28.
Curator-led tour with FRANK BARTSCH, archivist Udo Lindenberg and co-curator of the exhibition
Saturday, January 17th, 14 PM
The event is free of charge in conjunction with museum admission.
Registration is required at ludwiggalerie@oberhausen.de or 0208 41249 28.
Available Services
Panic for Peace
In the middle of the Udoversum shines a symbol of peace: Together with Udo Lindenberg, we designed a peace symbol that hangs on the castle balcony of the LUDWIGGALERIE.
And the symbol is meant to shine further into the world: as a table lantern and window decoration, casting a bright message of peace into the night. A simple gesture that demonstrates conviction. Udo's peace as an artistic protest against violence, war, and hatred.