I am Hondo. My name sounds like a pseudonym, but it's not.

I live with my family in Munich, where I was born in 1974. I have been working in the film and advertising industry for almost 30 years, my whole life, so to speak, consists of images and stories.

Especially nowadays, when everything is becoming more and more complex, fast-paced and digital (recently AI has also found its way into our lives), I have long felt the need to create something with my own hands, to give my creativity meaning and value again.

At the end of 2019, a unique opportunity opened up for me: I converted my neighbour's empty basement compartment (1.20 x 4 m) into my "studio". A little later, at the beginning of 2020, the COVID pandemic broke out and had a turbo effect on me: so I disappeared into the studio for hours every day. If someone asked „where is Hondo", the answer was short: "in the basement".

Since then, I have been pursuing my passion for old magazines, advertisements and their iconic images. Part of my work revolves around brands, their messages and the viewer's expectations associated with them. I love to give things a new meaning, open up new perspectives and tell stories.

In doing so, I adhere to the principle of "less is more". That's why I reduce most of my collages to two, at most three elements. In the background, I use images from a wide variety of subject areas, e.g. architecture, landscape, portrait or food. I juxtapose these with a single object, a logo, a claim or (often) a simple snippet of colour. The strong reduction creates a direct field of force and tension between the elements, which immediately catches the viewer's eye and stimulates interpretation.

For me, analogue collage is like a distinctive road trip every time, where anything is possible. A real, emotional experience where all my senses are challenged. Something I miss completely these days. And the best part is that I don't follow a set plan - I just do it! Cut and glue is what I do.

I invite you into my world of stories.

For inquiries and collaborations send me an e-mail.