Helnwein is concerned primarily with psychological and sociological anxiety, historical issues and political topics.
As a result of this, his work is often considered provocative and controversial.
Another strong element in his work are comics.
Helnwein has sensed the superiority of cartoon life over real life ever since he was a child.
A magazine interview brought out an explanation of his obsession with Disney characters.
What changed his life was the first German-language Donald Duck comic book that his father brought home one day.
