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1970s
1970s

Martin Kippenberger's art in the 1970s laid the groundwork for a career that would become noted for its voracious appetite for both conceptual depth and provocativeness. Though specific details about his works from the 1970s are less commonly highlighted, understanding Kippenberger's trajectory starting from the late 1970s and moving into the 1980s provides valuable insight into the evolution of his artistic pursuits. In the early 1980s, Kippenberger's work began to gain attention for its innovative and challenging nature. For instance, the series "Lieber maler male mir (Dear Painter, Paint for Me)" from 1981 was a critical exploration of the artist's role in art creation, where Kippenberger commissioned a film poster painter to create works based on his photographs. This series questioned the traditional valuation of artistic execution over conceptual development, aligning with ideas from artists like Andy Warhol about the art-making process​ (The Art Story)​. Another significant work from this period is "Dialogue with the Youth of Today" (1981), a photoreal painting that served as an autobiographical statement reflecting Kippenberger's experiences and the physical consequences of a violent altercation. This work, along with others in the "Berlin by Night" trilogy, highlights Kippenberger's willingness to confront personal and challenging subjects through his art​ (The Art Story)​. The piece "Capri by Night" (1982) exemplifies Kippenberger's engagement with Neo-Pop Art, employing everyday objects—like a Ford Capri car—to critique and contemplate consumer culture and societal values. This work, created in collaboration with Albert Oehlen, also serves as a commentary on the art world and previous generations of German artists​ (The Art Story)​. Throughout his career, Kippenberger's persona and life experiences deeply informed his art. His self-portraits from the late 1980s and early 1990s, for instance, present a brutally honest reflection of the artist, underscoring themes of vulnerability and self-critique. These works include depictions of Kippenberger in an unidealized manner, such as in a large pair of white underpants, challenging traditional notions of male artist personas​ (The Art Story)​. Though much of the discourse around Kippenberger's work focuses on his activities in the 1980s and beyond, it's clear that his early career in the late 1970s set the stage for his relentless experimentation and critical engagement with both the art world and broader cultural phenomena. His work from this era already hinted at the provocative, interdisciplinary approach that would define his legacy, making him one of the most significant German artists of his generation​ (Wikipedia)​.