In recent years Meese as a ‘private person’ has gradually vanished behind the artistic figure, with almost the entire imagery from his childhood and youth entering the image machinery of his exhibitions where it was recycled into art.

While many biographies attempt to convey an understanding of the artist and his art from the development of his personality, the authors have chosen the reverse path, retracing the transformation of Jonathan Meese into the ‘ant of art’ and the stage character ‘Meese’ instead.

In extensive conversations the artist has disclosed important mile-stones in his background, development and understanding of art. Additionally, he granted full insight into the documents in his archive.

English and German text.