Sigmar Polke

The reclusive Mr. Polke is described in NY Times, Sunday, 27 May. I can't wait to see the 7 abstract paintings in the Italian pavilion. Now I don't know why they are in that space. He was born in Silesia, country that became part of East Germany at the end of the second world war. He lives in Cologne. So what is his connection? Does anyone know? His 2004 show at the Tate Modern gives you a sense of his work.