Tree of Society

Like many of his works, this mural by Guido Zimmermann makes use of anthropomorphism, i.e. the transfer of human characteristics to animals, for example. In “Tree of Society” Guido Zimmermann shows monkeys in the branches of a tree. A closer look reveals that some animals are reminiscent of famous personalities from Frankfurt. We see a monkey that looks like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Another monkey resembles Friedrich Stoltze, the Frankfurt poet, who became known above all for his poems in Frankfurt dialect. Bernhard Grzimek, who was director of the Frankfurt Zoo for many years, is also depicted as a gorilla in a safari outfit.
With this large wall piece, the artist Guido Zimmermann represents a part of Frankfurt’s city history. At the same time, he questions the general perception of certain persons and personalities in an ironically cynical manner. In addition to the monkeys mentioned, there is a monkey in a suit with a red tie in the treetop. While he is telephoning his teeth, many papers fall out of his briefcase, which plunges into the depths. This monkey represents the suits of the city of Frankfurt and can also be seen as the artist’s critical commentary on the dynamics and structures within a city like Frankfurt.

The making-of is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XYEU1YmITo