Martin Kippenberger

Date of Birth: February 25, 1953

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: March 7, 1997

Biography

Martin Kippenberger was a prolific and influential German artist, known for his provocative and eclectic body of work that spanned painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art. Born on February 25, 1953, in Dortmund, Germany, Kippenberger grew up in a post-war society that deeply influenced his artistic perspective. He studied at the Hochschule für bildende Künste in Hamburg, but his education was supplemented by his extensive travels and immersion in various cultural scenes across Europe and the United States. Throughout his career, Kippenberger was renowned for his critical and often humorous take on the art world and society at large. He was associated with the Neo-Expressionist movement and was known for his collaborations with other artists, as well as his role as a mentor and provocateur. His works often challenged conventional norms and expectations, incorporating elements of irony, parody, and social commentary. Kippenberger’s contributions to the art world were recognized with numerous exhibitions and retrospectives, both during his lifetime and posthumously. His work continues to influence contemporary artists and is celebrated for its bold and innovative approach.

5 Interesting Facts about Martin Kippenberger

1. Martin Kippenberger was a member of the influential “Neue Wilde” (New Wild Ones) movement in Germany.

2. He managed the S.O. 36 club in Berlin, which was a significant venue for punk and new wave music.

3. Kippenberger created the controversial series “Martin, Into the Corner, You Should Be Ashamed of Yourself” where he depicted himself in a corner, symbolizing guilt and shame.

4. His work “The Happy End of Franz Kafka’s ‘Amerika’” is a vast installation that critiques the American dream.

5. Kippenberger was known for his alter ego, “Peter,” which he used to explore themes of identity and self-representation.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Martin Kippenberger

1. “I am rather like a traveling salesman. I deal in ideas. I am more interested in combining the unimaginable with the possible.”

2. “Good artists have no time to waste. They’re always working on something.”

3. “Art is the most beautiful deception of all. And although people do not always trust artists, they trust their art.”

4. “I can’t cut off an ear every day, so I paint.”

5. “You can’t escape from yourself. You can try, but you’re always dragging yourself around.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Martin Kippenberger’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, largely due to the sales of his artworks and his influence in the art market.