From the classroom to the museum
Works by Jonna and Lorenz acquired
Jonna Fischer and Lorenz Greshake are not yet established names on the art scene. Lorenz is currently in the twelfth grade at the Freie Waldorfschule Würzburg. Jonna started an apprenticeship after graduating from high school. Nevertheless, their pictures have already made it into a museum collection.
"Kein Raum für Worte" by the 17-year-old and "(Sch)merz" by the 19-year-old were purchased by the Museum für Franken. For Veronika Genslein, Deputy Director of the Museum für Franken, this is a logical step: "We are not just an art history museum, but also a cultural history museum. That means we also collect items of politics, history and current affairs. What is important here is what young people think about their presence in 2026. And how they process it in their art."
The museum management became aware of the pictures during the closing week of the exhibition "1525- Franken fordert Freiheit*en". These and other works by talented young artists have already been exhibited at the Museum für Franken. In cooperation with the Museum für Franken and Dr. Pia Beckmann's democracy initiative pics4peace e.V., project groups from the Waldorf School in Würzburg developed a program of music, dance, language, film and visual art. The young people worked intensively on the issues of democracy, peace and social commitment and drew a line from the time of the Peasants' War (Bauernkrieg) to their own lives.
The acquisition of the works makes their documentary value visible. The perspectives of the next generation belong at the center of social remembrance. In "(Sch)merz", Jonna Fischer depicts Friedrich Merz on a 50 x 50 cm canvas; gray and with a serious face, he stands out against the colorful background. The figure in the picture is forbidden to speak. The artist is protesting against his statement on the cityscape and other controversial statements made by the German Chancellor.
Lorenz Greshake chose a different approach: "Our freedom of opinion is a great achievement that we must protect." His work, measuring around one by two meters, deliberately contrasts with this. In stencil art - using stencils and spray paint on wood - he shows two figures facing each other with their mouths open and neon-colored earmuffs. One, bald and wearing a bomber jacket, is holding a baseball bat. The other, with dreadlocks, wide pants and a crop top, carries a sign that reads "Kill anyone who's against us". Lorenz comments: "Comprehending the opposing opinion or even listening to it seems hardly possible anymore. Instead, positions are being advocated ever more loudly and radically."
Lorenz knows what he is talking about. He is politically active and is a member of the Junge Union. Does he want to pursue a career as a painter after leaving school? "Art should remain more of a hobby," he says. But he is pleased that the museum has bought his painting.
Jonna is also looking ahead. She hopes to take part in many more exhibitions. The budding florist says: "It's important to me to do something artistic." With her first painting in a museum, she is well on her way.
