Clemens Pasch, born on July 19, 1910, in Sevelen, and passing away on July 12, 1985, in Düsseldorf, was a distinguished German sculptor and painter.
Pasch embarked on his artistic journey after completing his schooling and a two-year commercial school program, by undergoing training as a sign painter in Düsseldorf. His career took an early turn towards the arts while working in the painting department of the Krefeld City Theater, where he received his initial artistic mentorship from painter Fritz Huhnen in 1929. The following year, Pasch expanded his horizons as a graphic artist in Amsterdam.
In 1931, his path led him to Paris, where he contributed as a decorative painter to the construction of the Dutch pavilion at the Paris Colonial Exhibition. This project marked the beginning of a period filled with teaching, traveling across Europe, and honing his skills in painting, drawing, and graphic design. By 1936, Pasch had established himself as a commercial graphic artist in Cologne, a profession he pursued for several years.
Pasch's artistic direction shifted in 1939 when he commenced his studies at the State Art Academy in Düsseldorf, with a newfound focus on sculpture. Despite the challenges of the era, including the loss of his apartment and studio during the 1941 bombing raids on Cologne, Pasch's resilience led him to Munich in 1942. There, under the tutelage of Professor Bernhard Bleeker at the Academy of Fine Arts, he flourished as a master student.
After the war, in 1946, Pasch returned to Düsseldorf, dedicating himself to his craft as a freelance artist until his death. His personal life flourished as well, marrying Elfriede Bockamp in 1949, with whom he had four children. His commitment to his art was recognized in 1952 with a travel scholarship to Italy from the Ministry of Culture of North Rhine-Westphalia, followed by artistic sojourns in Greece and Spain. In 1953, he was honored with a scholarship from the cultural group of the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI) - ars viva.
Pasch was an esteemed member of several art associations, including the Rhenish Secession, the New Munich Artists' Cooperative, the New Darmstadt Secession, the Duisburg Secession, and the Association of Düsseldorf Artists. His legacy is preserved in the Rhenish Archive for Artists' Estates in Bonn, ensuring his contributions to German art remain celebrated.
