Buttner is best known for drawing out deeper layers of meaning from daily scenes that, at first glance, may seem banal. He creates surreal assemblages that question our systems of value and contradict our understanding of what elements or images may be brought together. His work confronts social norms with both irony and satire; while retaining a firm understanding of the history of painting, Buttner is constantly testing convention. His large-scale neo-Expressionist and neo-Dadaist works address social issues with a biting and wry humour. In doing so, Buttner uses all genres of painting, including still life, self-portraiture and history painting.

This lavishly-produced book presents newly commissioned texts as well as key essays relating to Buttner’s practice, and-taken with its sister volume dealing with his collage practice My Looting Eye-are the first substantial books on Buttner in English for many years.