Story

The documentary Damit etwas bleibt is dedicated to the life and work of the painter and photographer Manfred Bockelmann on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The portrait is intended as a cinematic journey through the artist’s life, in which important stations/places are visited and Manfred Bockelmann reflects on events and encounters that are connected to the respective place and have shaped his further life. These places include Ottmanach in Carinthia, where he grew up, Munich, Venice and New York. The film also accompanies the painter to the places where he prefers to work. In his barn on the Magdalensberg or in his studio in Venice, we observe how he continues his series of works Drawing against Oblivion, Painting of Silence or Leaves with unbroken passion. His relationship with his brother Udo Jürgens, whom he called his first art teacher, is also discussed. The relationship between the brothers was characterized by mutual respect and admiration throughout their lives. However, it was also important for the painter Bockelmann to clearly distinguish himself from Udo in order to be sure that he could survive as an artist.

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