A 20-question interview with M&A broker turned artist Maximilian Wiedemann
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
I say: “The only pain is champagne”.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
“Be honest, get honest”.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2016?
Donald Trump.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I miss the times people used to not use email and wrote handwritten notes to one another.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
My son and my family’s happiness and education.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the state of the financial system?
Too pig to fail.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
Anything that starts with “no”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I support rebuilding homes in Nepal with the Embassy of Nepal in Monaco. I feel I have been blessed with all God’s gifts and I feel obliged to return happiness and security wherever I can to the less fortunate.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Money talks but has nothing to say.
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
My brother Benjamin Wiedemann.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
I would have a bowl of spaghetti Bolognese by the seaside with a glass of red wine.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Anytime is good.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A cup of tea.
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Dinner parties at home with my closest friends.
Who is the most positive person you know?
My mother.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
Painting.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
A ‘Burgulary’ watch. Those that have seen my works will understand.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
A military Hummer.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I used to be a banker and now I mock them.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
Family pictures.
Maximilian Wiedemann is a former M&A broker who now describes himself as anything but a traditional artist. He has worked with everyone from Bono to Kate Moss to Karl .
Follow him on Instagram at @maximilianwiedemann
I think anyone who thinks he is a military hummer needs some therapy.
Wow: “I feel I have been blessed with all God’s gifts and I feel obliged to return happiness and security wherever I can to the less fortunate.”