Martin Kippenberger
1953–1997
Introduction
Martin Kippenberger (25 February 1953 – 7 March 1997) was a German painter, draftsman, photographer, sculptor, installation and performance artist. He became known for his prolific output in a wide range of styles and media, superfiction, as well as his provocative, jocular and hard-drinking public persona.
Kippenberger was "widely regarded as one of the most talented German artists of his generation", according to Roberta Smith of the New York Times. He was at the center of a generation of German enfants terribles, including Albert Oehlen, Markus Oehlen, Werner Büttner, Georg Herold, Dieter Göls, Michael Krebber, and Günther Förg.
Wikidata identifier
Q736247
Information from Wikipedia, made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License . Accessed January 2, 2026.
Introduction
Studied at the Hochschule für Bildende Kunst in Hamburg, where he was influenced by Sigmar Polke. Though he is primarily known as a painter and sculptor, he was fond of multiples and produced posters, books, and audio recordings. He often collaborated with the painter Albert Oehlen, and exhibited frequently in Europe and New York. His last project was a planned worldwide network of imaginary subway stations.
Country of birth
Germany
Roles
Artist, book artist, installation artist, painter, photographer, sculptor
ULAN identifier
500069290
Names
Martin Kippenberger, Kippenberger, Kippy Kippenberger, Mattin Kippenberger, Werner Kippenberger, Kippi, Kippy
Information from the Getty Research Institute's Union List of Artist Names ® (ULAN), made available under the ODC Attribution License. Accessed January 2, 2026.
