Through September 30, 2026, Dr. Peter Erdmenger, a physician from Köthen, is presenting his exhibition “Retrospective of an Amateur Painter” at Kloster Bernburg. The title refers to his book of the same name, in which he looks back on decades of artistic work.
About 50 paintings and a selection of posters—on display for the first time—can be seen in the monastery’s historic setting. Using various techniques, he presents a mix of impressions from his travels and scenes from his surroundings in Köthen. The exhibition at the monastery was initiated by Sabine Thalmann, Director of Central Administration at Anhalt University of Applied Sciences. “After my last exhibitions in Torgau and in my hometown of Herzberg/Elster, I had actually planned to call it quits,” explains Dr. Peter Erdmenger. “But I just couldn’t resist Ms. Thalmann’s idea of presenting a few paintings in the beautiful Kloster Bernburg.”
The Erdmengers are good friends in the Köthen area. Together with his wife, Dr. Brigitte Erdmenger, Dr. Peter Erdmenger founded the exhibition series “Medicine & Painting.” Since 1988, this series has brought together doctors and representatives of all healthcare professions who pursue artistic work in their free time. “For me, art and culture are an important link in society,” says Erdmenger about his motivation.
The current exhibition in Bernburg opened in early July. The retired physician, who taught himself the technical skills of painting, was delighted by the large number of visitors at the opening and is happy to give guided tours of the exhibition upon request. “I would be delighted to engage in a lively exchange of ideas during a tour of the exhibition.” The exhibition will remain open to the public through the end of September.
