Dietmar Franz, Apple/Apple, from the Apple(s) series, 2012-2019
, Graphite on plywood, 74 works in total: approx. Ø 100 cm
Kollitsch Collection

Korbinian Aigner, known as the “Apple Pastor”, was both a priest and an expert in growing fruit, particularly apples. Due to his critical remarks he was imprisoned at the Dachau concentration camp in 1941 where, as a forced labourer in agriculture, he succeeded in growing new varieties of apples between the barracks, which he named KZ 1, KZ 2 (Concentration Camp 1, 2), etc. At the same time he untiringly drew sketches of different varieties. To commemorate Aigner, the US concept artist Jimmie Durham planted an apple tree of the Korbinian variety KZ 3 in the Parkaue park in Kassel as part of his contribution to documenta 13 (Kassel, 2012). Inspired by this action and in memory of his great grandfather who was also incarcerated at Dachau – both men survived – Dietmar Franz took an interest in Aigner’s sketches and re-drew some of his Apple Portraits. Since then he has been drawing one apple after another.

— Felix Kucher

Dietmar Franz, Rose Apple, from the Apple(s) series, 2015-2016
, Graphite on plywood, approx. Ø 50 cm
Courtesy of the artist

Dietmar Franz, Jonagold Apple, from the Apple(s) series, 2015-2016
, Graphite on plywood, approx. Ø 100 cm
Courtesy of the artist

Dietmar Franz, Trash Bags, from the Apple(s) series, 2017
, Graphite on plywood, 44 x 24 cm
Kollitsch Collection