Gustav Mesmer Paintings

Gustav Mesmer, often referred to as the 'Icarus of the Lautertal', was a German inventor and artist known for his fantastical flying machines. Born in 1903 in Flehingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, Mesmer was not a traditionally trained artist or engineer, but rather an outsider artist whose work transcended conventional boundaries.

During his early years, Mesmer was sent to a psychiatric institution after a conflict with his family, which significantly impacted his life and creative expression. He spent much of his life in and out of psychiatric care, which was where he began to conceptualize and build his imaginative flying contraptions. His designs were inspired by his dream of human-powered flight, and he dedicated his life to this pursuit.

Mesmer's flying machines were intricate and often constructed from recycled materials such as bicycle parts, fabric, and wire. Despite their whimsical and often aesthetically pleasing designs, they were not practically capable of sustained flight. Nonetheless, Mesmer's relentless experimentation and unique vision earned him a place in the realm of art brut or outsider art.

Throughout his life, Mesmer was largely unknown, and it was only towards the end of his life and posthumously that his work began to receive recognition from the art world. His creations have been displayed in various exhibitions, showcasing his contribution to the field of self-taught art and his undying passion for flight.

Gustav Mesmer's work is a poignant reminder of the thin line between genius and obsession, and his legacy continues to inspire those who value creativity and the relentless pursuit of dreams. Mesmer died in 1994, leaving behind a body of work that continues to fascinate and challenge our perceptions of art, invention, and the possibility of the impossible.