Antes is one of the most important artists of the latter half of this century, the principle representative of Fantasy Realism. Above all moved by a belief in humanity, he includes the human figure in his paintings. In them, bodies, clothes, living areas and inner spaces become one. Antes once said his paintings should be habitable dwelling places, even shelters, the human head as its own haven.

1962 is the key year in which the 'Kopffüssler' ('Headfooter') was born, a motif which was to mark Horst Antes' entire work. It first appeared in the painting 'Large Blue Figure'. It looks as if the overgrown arm were trying to camouflage the sudden appearance of the figure. Afterwards, this human-like figure is stretched over the canvas, a figure of art. Suddenly, the figure, with its ball, spoon, shovel and all its attributes, its boat, house, bird, etc, whether walking, standing or listening, takes on a definite form which seems to conceal a secret.

The content of his painting series is also repeated in his graphics, a rigor of continuity which makes Antes quite remarkable. The figure and objects are assigned a color, a sky is painted here, a tree or a gauge there, a sphere or dice somewhere else.

The 'Kopffüssler' would become Antes' most important theme for decades. Other theme areas arose as well, particularly in the 80's. Antes borrowed, for example, from the symbolism of the Hopi Indians or of the Dogon. An original spirit is displayed in many of his compositions, in which there often appears: a ladder, a feather, a tablet, sperm or lightning in the form of a snake. Antes wants the viewer to understand the ideas behind his works. Delving into Antes' work and following its subtle changes over the years is an exercise which will provide rich rewards by bringing an understanding of his unique vision. His later work shows an enormous reduction: the human body disappears and reappears as its own absence in the painting, as a gap. The human presence becomes a cliché, a shadow, a phantom, only a hollow space with a human outline. Mourning is now in order. Examples of this can be found not only in his painting, but also in his later sculptures. To this can also be added the 'Poggibonsi Groups' of 1979-80, or his later 'Grabbeigaben' (Burial Gifts), votive figurines of thin gold leaf. The questioning of humanity is obvious in Horst Antes' later work.