Man with Banana-Spraying Device Returns to Region Lower Rhine Homeland
In the quaint German town of Rheinberg, renowned street artist Thomas Baumgaertel, affectionately known as the "Bananasprayer," traces his artistic roots back four decades to a cultural pub named Schwarzer Adler. The humble post coach station, now serving as an exhibition venue, is hosting Baumgaertel's extensive collection spanning four decades.
While the Bananasprayer now enjoys global recognition alongside local luminaries such as Claudia Schiffer and Underberg, his journey began spontaneously with an exhibition in 1985 at the Schwarzer Adler. Titled "Thomas Baumgaertel's exhibition career began in the 'Schwarzer Adler' cultural pub," the poster from this exhibition, featuring a young Baumgaertel with flowing locks, stands framed and priced at 4000 euros.
Baumgaertel's work soon gained infamy for his unconventional use of the banana motif, a symbol of satire and provocation. This is evident in an early work in which he replaced the missing Jesus on a crucifix from Rheinberg Hospital with a half-peeled banana. The banana, adopted as a leitmotif in Baumgaertel's art, represents a unique blend of humor, audacity, and sharp critique.
When not consuming his beloved fruit daily, Baumgaertel indulges in the art of French sprayer Blek le Rat, leaving his signature banana stencils on walls across Rheinberg. His first stencil, cut from a calendar protective foil in 1986, remains intact and hangs in the Schwarzer Adler, bearing testament to the beginnings of a career with global implications.
From humble beginnings, the Bananasprayer's works have graced galleries and museums worldwide, with over 4000 documented instances. Though initially encountering legal issues for his clandestine activities, Baumgaertel's provocative art style eventually found favor among the art community and transformed into an optical seal of approval for contemporary art enthusiasts.
Next year, Rheinberg will celebrate Baumgaertel's 40th anniversary in banana spraying with an impressive 40 exhibitions at various Lower Rhine art locations, ranging from the Kurhaus in Kleve to Rheinberg's town hall.
Though Baumgaertel has garnered criticism for his often controversial art, he remains undeterred, continually pushing boundaries and eliciting strong reactions from viewers. His fascination with bananas and their symbolic power continue to drive his artistic growth, positioning him as a prominent figure in the evolving landscape of street art.
[1] Thomas Baumgaertel: The Beginning 1985/2025. Black Eagle, Baerler Str. 96, 47495 Rheinberg. Until July 13. The exhibition will be accompanied by the edition "Black Banana Eagle." Edition: 40, Preferential price: 400 €.
- The exhibition "Thomas Baumgaertel: The Beginning 1985/2025," displaying his works from the early days, takes place at the Schwarzer Adler, a cultural pub in Rheinberg, showcasing the roots of his home-and-garden lifestyle.
- Baumgaertel's lifestyle is reflected in his art, with his unique use of the banana motif found in his art across various home-and-garden exhibition venues, from the Schwarzer Adler to worldwide galleries and museums.
