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MARTIN KIPPENBERGER
1953–1997
  
Described by ARTnews on his death as a "flamboyant personality [whose artistic program] embraced painting, sculpture, photography, installation art, performance, and music," German artist Martin Kippenberger was an eccentric character in European avant-garde circles during the last quarter of the twentieth century. In addition to probing recent German history, his work frequently questioned the social function of art. In 1987, for example, he purchased a gray painting by his compatriot Gerhard Richter and installed it as the top of a coffee table. Although no one ever rested drinks or other objects on this table, the mere thought of that possibility provoked pointed responses in viewers. Elfie Semotan's portrait of a wild-eyed Kippenberger conveys something of his outrageous personality.
Elfie Semotan (born 1941) |
