Sigmar Polke: Affinities Revealed

Sigmar Polke’s innovative approach to art has cemented him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary European art. Known for his fearless experimentation with materials, techniques, and concepts, Polke’s work often challenges traditional boundaries while engaging with themes of memory, time, and cultural history. His enduring legacy is exemplified in “Sigmar Polke: Affinities Revealed,” the first solo exhibition on Polke in Madrid, currently on view at the Museo del Prado. The exhibition explores the connections between Polke’s practice and the work of Francisco de Goya.

Presenting over 40 works by Polke—including paintings, photographs, and drawings—alongside Goya’s “Old Women or Time” (1810–12) and its X-radiograph, the exhibition highlights the influence of Goya’s layered compositions and symbolic intensity on Polke’s techniques and motifs. By connecting two artists separated by centuries, the exhibition offers a deeper understanding of Polke’s creative process and his dialogue with art history.

Polke’s visionary work continues to inspire, bridging gaps between past and present while expanding the possibilities of artistic experimentation.