German comedy legend Otto Waalkes has created an exclusive painting featuring the beloved 'Baby Shark' character, which is now available for auction to benefit the charity organization 'Ein Herz für Kinder' (A Heart for Children). The unique artwork coincides with the release of a special collaboration between Waalkes and pop superstar Helene Fischer, who have recorded a new version of the viral children's song 'Baby Shark.'
The dynamic duo of German entertainment released their rendition of 'Baby Shark' on August 8th, breathing new life into the catchy children's tune that first appeared on YouTube in 2016 and quickly became a viral sensation. While the exact origins of the song remain unclear, Fischer and Waalkes have given it their own distinctive treatment. The track will also be featured on Fischer's upcoming children's album titled 'Die schönsten Kinderlieder (Tanzen & Feiern)' (The Most Beautiful Children's Songs - Dancing & Celebrating), set for release in September.
Regarding the collaboration, 77-year-old cult comedian Otto Waalkes, who is also celebrated as a painter and illustrator, shared his humorous perspective on the project: 'The shark doesn't just have teeth, but also massive image problems. Ever since Steven Spielberg's 'Jaws,' sharks have been considered life-threatening. The Baby Shark song proves that even sharks started small.' Waalkes expressed his enthusiasm for working with Fischer, noting with characteristic self-deprecating humor: 'At least the role distribution is very clear between us: she is the beauty and I am the other...'
The centerpiece of this charitable initiative is Waalkes' hand-painted Baby Shark artwork, created exclusively for the German newspaper BILD on canvas soaked with East Frisian tea. This one-of-a-kind piece measures 30 x 30 centimeters and represents a truly unique collector's item. What makes this auction particularly special is that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the BILD charity organization 'Ein Herz für Kinder' without any deductions.
Waalkes demonstrated his typical wit when describing his artistic process: 'When drawing the figures, I noticed a certain similarity to myself: receding forehead, receding chin, and if you're not careful, the rest runs away too.' This self-referential humor is characteristic of the artist, who has built a reputation not only as a comedian but also as a respected visual artist whose works are highly sought after in the art market.
The painting holds significant value in the art world, with Otto's works typically selling for several thousand euros at auction. Art experts estimate this particular Baby Shark painting to be worth approximately 8,000 euros, especially given its status as a unique piece created for this special charitable cause. The combination of Waalkes' artistic reputation and the cultural significance of the Baby Shark phenomenon makes this artwork particularly valuable to collectors.
Interested bidders can place their offers immediately through the designated auction platform, with the bidding period concluding on September 4, 2025, at exactly 5:15 PM. The auction format allows art enthusiasts and charity supporters alike to participate in acquiring this exclusive piece while contributing to a worthy cause.
The funds raised through this auction will directly support children in need through the work of BILD hilft e.V. 'Ein Herz für Kinder,' an organization that has been dedicated to helping disadvantaged children both in Germany and internationally since 1978. The charity maintains strict standards for fund distribution, subjecting every grant application to a careful review process. Once approved, BILD hilft e.V. provides purely financial support to projects, while the organization itself does not directly operate programs, ensuring that donations reach their intended recipients efficiently and effectively.
