Execute Magazine

Artist a Day:  Martin Kippenberger 

Martin Kippenberger (1953-1997) 

Martin Kippenberger was a German artist known for being incredibly prolific in his work. He's famous for his wide range of styles and media, as well as the provocative persona he portrayed himself to the public.

Onkel Bonbon

Martin`s Works

figurative , Neo-Expressionism, 1983

Kippenberger refused to adhere to a specific style or medium. As a result, he left behind an eclectic body of work that includes sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, and installations.

Alcohol torture, can of Schlösser Alt beer, plastic wrapper

Martin`s Works

Conceptual Art ,1989

His work in the 1980s displayed a firm political reflection period.

Buchholz + Schipper

Martin`s Works

figurative , Conceptual Art , 1990

It appears that Kippenberger thought he was working in a time when painting became obsolete, and his work reflects his struggles with this idea.  At the turn of the millennium, many people felt there was nothing new or objective to do in art, especially in painting.

Put Your Eye In Your Mouth

Martin`s Works

Conceptual Art, installation ,  1991

While Kippenberger's fame has increased steadily since his death, his market has grown in several separate phases. This can be seen in the different types of art he produced over time.

Selbstportät

Martin`s Works

Neo-Expressionism ,self-portrait ,1996

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Arrow

Flying tanga

Martin`s Works

portrait, Conceptual Art, Neo-Expressionism

His work, which was initially considered okay, became more sought after towards the end of his life and often sold for over $10,000.

Alcohol Torture

Martin`s Works

self-portrait, Neo-Expressionism , 1981

Dialogue with the Youth of Today (detail)

Martin`s Works

self-portrait, Neo-Expressionism, 1981

The prices for art at auction are usually high and rare. Phillips de Pury is one of the most famous auction houses, and in 2005, an artwork from 1990 by Martin Kippenberger sold for $2,094,898).

Untitled  (Aussen Alster Hotel)

Martin`s Works

self-portrait, Neo-Expressionism, 1985

Eintritt Frei

Martin`s Works

figurative, Neo-Expressionism, 1989

Assuming roles is something that simply won't work for me, since I don't have a style. None at all.” - Martin Kippenberger