Panamarenko original drawing "Papaver"

This unique hand-drawn sheet by Panamarenko (1940–2019) presents an early concept for his Papaver project, one of the visionary artist’s balloon-like flying machines. Executed on squared notebook paper, the drawing combines pencil, ballpoint, felt pen and metallic silver ink, reflecting Panamarenko’s characteristic mix of technical calculation and playful imagination.

The composition includes a sectional view of the balloon form, a flower-shaped ground plan, and annotations detailing dimensions (6 m diameter, 10 m length, 8 lobes) and materials (rip-stop nylon, airtight, 40 g/m²). Two clear signatures are present: one in red at the top left, another in black at the lower right. The vivid use of colour and precise technical notations make this sheet stand out as both a visually striking and historically significant document.

As with many of Panamarenko’s sketches, Papaver is not only a work of art but also a working document – evidence of the artist’s fascination with flight, engineering and the poetic possibilities of science. Original drawings by Panamarenko rarely appear on the market and are highly sought after by collectors of Belgian avant-garde and post-war conceptual art.

• Medium: pencil, pen, felt pen and silver marker on squared paper

• Size: approx. 15 × 21 cm

• Double signed (red and black)

• Condition: very good, framed