About

Ludwig's multi-faceted life experience is reflected in his art. He produces work inspired by people, objects and places - past, present and imaginary.

He was born in South Africa where he studied Art at the University of Pretoria. Ludwig worked for a few years as a teacher and then in the film industry, one of the passions of his life. He now lives in London and runs a creative agency focused on design and advertising.


Tuesday 7 February 2012

Construction Gallery

My Tooting Series 2011 can now be viewed and purchased in Tooting's new pop-up gallery. Please visit the Construction Gallery from the 18th January - 25th March.

Thursday 24 November 2011

Tooting Series




giclee prints on german etching stock, limited edition of 25, approx 53.5 x 43.5cm framed (40 x 30cm unframed)

Friday 23 September 2011


My work 'Tooting Broadway' has been shortlisted for the Bainbridge Open and will be exhibited from the 13th October at Bainbridge Studios.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

Dazed and Refused

It’s tough when your work is unloved but the artists rejected from 
this year’s BP Portrait Award show that they though they may be down, 
they’re not out, by staging their own Salon Des Refusés exhibition.



Dazed and Refused, a Fish Brothers Production, is at 
Hurwundeki
299 Railway Arches, 
Cambridge Heath Road, 
London 
E2 9HA.
Curated by Kristian Purcell.
Exhibition dates: 16 Jun-10 Jul 2011; Private View: Thurs 16 Jun, 7-11pm
Opening times: Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm; Sat-Sun: 9am-7pm

Thursday 22 July 2010

Skylark Galleries Summer Exhibition 29 July - 15 August 2010


I am taking part in Skylark's Summer Exhibition and will be exhibiting a series of new paintings & prints.
I will be at the gallery all day on the 1st, 6th & 8th August.

Thursday 24 September 2009

Antony Gormley's One & Other


I was selected to take part in Antony Gormley's One & Other Project on Trafalgar Square and got to spend my hour on the plinth on Sunday 13th September at 3pm!



Watch and read more HERE! 


Thursday 21 August 2008

Top BIlling 2008


This was recorded in London in July 2007 and broadcast on Top BIlling SABC3 in May 2008. Errata: the pencil sketch (man & horse) shown at 3'36" is not one of my artwork, it's that of Toby Wright. The producers didn't show me the insert before broadcast (actually they still haven't even told me about the broadcast). A family member in SA recorded it for me.

Monday 30 June 2008

ballygowan road


acrylic on canvas, 800 x 300mm, private collection

Wednesday 21 May 2008

Jan Kriel Charity Wine Auction & Dinner


Ludwig has donated one one of his paintings to be auctioned off at the annual Jan Kriel Charity Wine Auction & Dinner on Thursday 22nd May 2008 at New Connaught Rooms, Covent Garden. His work will also be exhibited at the event. Visit their website for more details http://www.jkwineauction.org/

Tuesday 4 September 2007

happy landscape


acrylic on canvas 1000 x 1000mm available

Wednesday 18 April 2007

12th Annual Chelsea Art Fair 19 - 22 April 2007

I will be represented by SKYLARK at the Chelsea Art Fair from 19 - 22 April 2007. Please visit us at the Chelsea Old Hall, Kings Road SW3.

Wednesday 14 March 2007

From the Darkness Book Cover


I created the artwork for this, my first book cover. It's published by Aflame Books & available from March 2007. It's a great book and can be purchased from amazon.co.uk & kalahari.net.

Monday 12 March 2007

Keeping out the Dark 2007


acrylic on canvas, 250 x 300mm, private collection

Toorberg 2006


acrylic on canvas 1000 x 500mm available

Thursday 22 February 2007

Artist on the rise

Written by Lameez Abrahams
SA Times Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Ludwig Wagner might share his name with an artist who lived in 1780 but there’s nothing archaic about his art work. We speak to the talented artists about his exhibit in London and the inspiration behind his work.Wagner’s collection of six pieces, expressing his longing for the African landscape, will be on show at the Skylark 2 in the OXO Tower until February 25.
His technique is described as ‘very unique’ and now, after throwing caution to the wind, his work has found its way to his very first exhibit.

“When I started painting again I only showed my work to friends and family. They liked what I did and spurred me on to approach galleries.
“I went on a waiting list at Skylark. There could be more exposure because the gallery will be visiting art shows in Chelsea, Bristol and Edinburgh this year on behalf of the artists,” Wagner explains.

He studied fine art at the University of Pretoria and qualified as an English and Art Teacher before working as a Cultural Officer for the Department of Art, Science and Technology.
The Pretoria-born artist came to the UK seven years ago after a job opportunity at a Spanish film house tempted him enough to leave Ster-Kinekor, where he had the ardent task of visiting film festivals around the world.

“Everyone thought I was mad because I was 35 at the time. They thought I should be settling down and not moving to another country. But I am the type of person who takes chances and lives to have no regrets,” Wagner said.

Wagner was also responsible for giving birth to Cinema Nouveau in South Africa, which shows art cinema movies and was also the editor of Film Finesse magazine.

It took a mid-life crisis to get Wagner to turn back to his first love of painting, and even though he is unsure of what the future might hold, he is grabbing the Skylark opportunity by the horns.
“I am nervous and don’t know where I’ll find the time, but it’s an amazing opportunity.” He draws his inspiration from South African artist Helen Martins and world-renowned Spanish painter Pablo Picasso. “I am inspired by Helen Martins who was born in 1897. “She grew up in Nieu-Bethesda near Graaff-Reinet – she had such a sad life.
“She turned her house into a work of art and used broken glass against the walls. I like Picasso’s work because every few years he would change his style and that’s very important as an artist,” he enthuses.

Wagner uses masks in his painting and explains that they reflect the façade that many carry around. “I believe everyone wears a mask and hides who they are. “Sometimes my masks are happy and sometimes they are sad, which is a reflection of my mood.

“The landscapes I paint represent the African landscape. I long to be outside in open vastness and these landscapes are based on the places that I have visited. I take a lot of photographs when I travel through the Karoo as a reference,” he explains.

“I use acrylic on canvas and instead of peeling the layers, I build them up,” he adds. Along with painting, Wagner also runs Zuluspice. “We design websites and I use a host of freelances who are a great help because my client base is growing and growing. I’ve done websites for two SA musicians based in London and design posters for films as well,” he explains.
Wagner also consults for several film and media companies and was responsible for undertaking a complete rights analysis of the Film Four catalogue for Channel 4 International and also assisted Channel 4 New Media on a rights analysis of content for the use on New Media platforms.

Don’t miss Ludwig Wagner on Sunday February 25 at Skylark 2 gallery, Unit 1.09 Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, London SE1 9PH. For more information call 020 7401 9666.