The German artist Martin Kippenberger (1953–1997) is considered one of the greatest artistic talents of his generation. In this first major international presentation of his work in many years, Louisiana seeks to re-evaluate and update the understanding of Kippenberger and the complex interplay between his persona, his works, and his practice.
Among the recurring motifs and themes in the multifaceted body of work by German artist Martin Kippenberger (1953–1997), the greatest constant is undoubtedly Martin Kippenberger himself. He is present everywhere — in sculptures, paintings, installations, and videos. Indeed, even when he is not explicitly depicted, his presence is most often still felt.
During his lifetime, Kippenberger gained international recognition not only for his work in the traditional sense but also for his public persona and reputation as something of an art world provocateur.
In this exhibition — the first major international presentation of his work in nearly a decade — Louisiana will focus on the complex and dynamic interplay between Kippenberger’s artistic output, his curatorial practice, and his self-mythologization.
The exhibition is organized in close collaboration with the artist’s estate and with the support of leading museums and private collections worldwide. It brings together some 100 works spanning drawing, painting, sculpture, and installation, alongside an extensive selection of archival photographs and film material.
In addition, the exhibition will include video works by Andrea Fraser and Heimo Zobernig, both of whom critically engage with Kippenberger’s constructed self-presentation.
A central element of the exhibition will be a complete reconstruction of ‘Frauenkunst – Männerkunst’, the exhibition Kippenberger curated for the Fridericianum in Kassel in 1993.
This presentation in itself will include approximately 70 additional works from Kippenberger’s own private collection, displayed alongside works by the artist himself. Artists represented in this section include Zoe Leonard, Albert Oehlen, John Baldessari, and Cindy Sherman.
