Wolfgang Ludwig Cihlarz grew up in a dysfunctional family in Karlsruhe (Baden-Württemberg), West Germany, and completed his training as an architectural draftsman.

After passing the entrance exam he enrolled at the Berlin Academy of Art (at the time HfbK – Hochschule für Bildende Kunst, today UdK – Universität der Künste), studying painting with Ulrich Knipsel from 1974 through 1980, later as a student in the master class of Karl Heinz Hödicke.

He had met the owner of the latter, Gerhard Hoffmann, in 1974 in the “Homosexuelle Aktion Westberlin” (HAW – Gay Action West Berlin).

That same year he also participated in the exhibition “Les Nouveaux Fauves – Die Neuen Wilden” in Aachen, West Germany.

He made portraits of numerous VIPs, e.g. the at the time very extravagant Gloria, Princess of Thurn and Taxis, and he was himself portrayed by famous photographers, such as Helmut Newton.

In cooperation with notable porcelain manufacturers, among others "Philipp Rosenthal" Hutschenreuther, he created painted sculptures and dinner services.