With Superman – Back to the Roots, René Turrek masterfully bridges two seemingly contrasting worlds: classical landscape painting and modern pop culture. This work was the first in which Turrek deliberately used an old oil painting as a foundation to integrate a superhero — a concept that would later become one of his artistic trademarks.

In the scene, Superman hovers above a peaceful mountain landscape, a lake, and a small wooden cabin. A graffiti tag adorns the cabin — a subtle homage to Turrek’s own past as a street artist. The combination of nostalgic tranquility and modern rebellion creates a captivating tension that conveys both humor and depth.

Symbolically, Superman leaves the cabin of his arch-nemesis, Luthor — a moment of liberation, triumph, and perhaps a reflection of Turrek’s own artistic journey: from traditional craftsmanship to urban art and on to international recognition.

Superman – Back to the Roots thus represents not only the dialogue between old and new, but also the very essence of Turrek’s art — the fusion of tradition, pop culture, and personal story.