Martin Kippenberger (1953–1997) produced a rich and diverse body of work from the mid 1970s until his untimely death at the age of 44, and is now regarded as one of the most influential artists of his time.
Kippenberger once proclaimed that he was the ultimate embodiment of the art of the 1980s, and it is certainly true that his work was preoccupied with a number of artistic concerns prevalent at the time. He was a master appropriator who consistently absorbed, challenged and transformed the world around him. His work draws on popular culture, art, architecture, music, politics, history and his own life – where no subject remained sacred. Also reflective of the era was Kippenberger's awareness of the importance of self-publicity. He was constantly reinventing himself and his art, and tirelessly controlled his image through press and marketing. He also felt that he was working in the face of a 'perceived death of painting' and his art reflects his struggle with the concept that, at the turn of the millennium, it was impossible to produce anything original or authentic.