Exhibition of Science-Fiction book covers by Eyke Volkmer.
Curated by Tommi Brem.
Exhibition design: Tommi Brem.
Wall display construction: Olaf Kießling / Pling Collection
Dates: 20. September 2014 – 23. November 2014
Location: Stadthaus Ulm
THIS EXHIBITION IS FOR HIRE!
“It doesn’t look like this in outer space!” – This was how publisher Wilhelm Goldmann reacted to the cover drafts submitted by illustrator Eyke Volkmer for the science-fiction series of the publishing house. The designs were abstract, airbrushed in vivid colours. If Goldmann knew what it looked like in outer space, he could change the designs accordingly, is what Volkmer replied over 50 years ago. “No, no,” the publisher said in return, “I like what you are doing, it’s all fine, we’ll continue.”
This exchange laid the foundation of what would become an extraordinary publication series that was very different from the design of other publications at the time, both in Germany and internationally. The collaboration lasted for more than ten years, during which Volkmer designed the covers for 241 Science-Fiction books for Goldmann. Volkmer did work for other publishers and illustrated other genres as well, but the series “Goldmanns Zukunftsromane” and “Goldmanns Weltraum Taschenbücher” can be regarded as the core of his creative output. Which stopped when he left both Munich and his graphic work behind in 1973.
His work had been almost forgotten soon after that. Undeservedly so, in our opinion. Which is why we are very happy to be able to show all of Volkmers science-fiction illustrations in the Stadthaus Kabinett.
Eyke Volkmer was born to German parents in Istanbul in 1934. In 1940 the whole family moved to Berlin, followed by a relocation the much safer Munich in 1943. In the 1950ies, the Volkmers moved back to Istanbul. Eyke however stayed behind, starting his graphic studies. He now lives in his old home in Munich, is former design studio.
Covers by Eyke Volkmer @ Weltraumtaschenbuch.de