EBERHARD HUECKSTAEDT

Eberhard Hueckstaedt was born in Potsdam, Germany in 1936. As a child he survived the World War II bombings of Potsdam and neighboring Berlin.

At the war’s end, Eberhard was moved to the house of his beloved grandparents in Mecklenburg what was then East Germany. Despite the oppression, he experienced a happy childhood with six other grandchildren.

In 1950, he was apprenticed at an art enterprise in Mecklenburg. He continued there until 1954 when he became engaged in the restoration of churches while still learning his craft and establishing the foundation for his career as an artist. In 1959 Hueckstaedt was enrolled in the college of fine arts in Dresden. He studied continuously for 5 years, honing his talents in mural and panel painting.

He was thus able to establish his own studio where he painted always under the scrutiny of the Communist East German government. Despite his struggle with the system, he was able to achieve great artistic success. He participated in many exhibits, winning numerous prizes and awards.

Finally, he was able to make his way to the west but with little or no resources. He was to learn later that the government had accumulated a massive file on him as a suspected dissident.

He settled with his family in Hanover and began a new portfolio, a new career and a new life of freedom. Hueckstaedt’s work was obtained by a prominent gallery where his work was immediately successful. His reputation spread quickly throughout Central Europe.

Hueckstaedt’s paintings employ unique combinations of watercolors, charcoal and plaster which he developed to express his artistic view. A visit to the artist’s studio reveals the complexity and skill in blending these various materials to achieve lasting visual pleasure for the beholder - work that is a joy to own!

The Hart Gallery is proud to represent the works of Eberhard Hueckstaedt exclusively in America.