Martin Kippenberger

Artists

Martin Kippenberger

Press release

Though German artist Martin Kippenberger (1953-1997) is considered one of the greatest artistic talents of his generation, his public persona (and many scandals) still seem to overshadow his work. Making a nuancing and re-evaluation of our understanding of Kippenberger, his role, and his artistic significance all the more imperative. The exhibition is made possible with generous support from Det Obelske Familiefond. Among the recurring motifs and themes in the multifaceted work of German artist Martin Kippenberger (1953-1997), the greatest constant is undoubtedly Martin Kippenberger himself. He is everywhere, in sculptures, paintings, installations and videos. Indeed, even when he is not explicitly depicted, he is often present. In his time, Kippenberger did not just win international recognition for his works in the traditional sense. In fact, his public persona probably became far more famous than his art. He was then (and still is) often described as the art world’s “enfant terrible”, a notorious provocateur and narcissist. Kippenberger’s uncompromising behavior undoubtedly had a significant influence on the reception of his works, which are still often read through anecdotes about his many scandals. The artist is thus in many ways the central motif in his work. Louisiana’s exhibition will unfold and examine Kippenberger’s use of himself and his own image and ask the question: Can the narcissistic cultivation of his own person and image actually be seen as a form of rejection of the self? And how do we come to understand – and interpret – his radical self-staging as a macho artist at a time when many feminist artists were leading the fight against this very type of artist.