“The Philosophers" is one of 26 paintings that make up the “Grey Series” (1985-88) by Wolfgang Lettl.
The basic concept of each painting is the framing box. An image supposedly painted on paper is stuck to its back. Various objects are lying on the frame.
Different variations of a classic style element of surrealism are used experimentally in this series: Paint objects that don't go together in an unreal space, and you will get surprising compositions that may be more or less meaningful.
Particularly successful in this painting is the interaction between the different dimensions. Philosophers seeking answers to fundamental questions about humanity and the world struggle to drag new insights out of the darkness and into the light.
They don't realize that it is just a hook in a wall that gives them the impression of something weighty, because it is in a different dimension.
Not to mention the light bulb which they are unable to screw into a socket, because they are always thinking in other dimensions.