Capitalist Realism: German Pop Art's Critical Response to American Consumerism
Capitalist Realism, a movement in German Pop Art, was established in 1963 amid the Cold War by Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, Konrad Lueg, and Manfred Kuttner in Düsseldorf. This movement critiqued American consumerism and capitalism while mocking Socialist Realism. The inaugural exhibition, titled 'Grafik und Malerei Sonderausstellung,' occurred in May 1963 at a butcher shop. Subsequently, Richter and Lueg presented 'Living with Pop' at Mobelhaus Berges. Drawing inspiration from Fluxus, the movement sought to make art accessible to all. Notable pieces include Richter's 'Party' (1963) and Polke's 'Bunnies' (1966). Gallerist René Block supported the movement, which left a mark on artists like Martin Kippenberger and Ai Weiwei. Art historian Andrew Stefan Weiner emphasizes its significance in today's political discourse.
Key facts
- Capitalist Realism was founded in Düsseldorf in 1963 by Gerhard Richter, Sigmar Polke, Konrad Lueg, and Manfred Kuttner.
- The movement's first exhibition, 'Grafik und Malerei Sonderausstellung,' was held in a former butcher shop in May 1963.
- The term 'Capitalist Realism' parodies Socialist Realism and critiques both Eastern and Western political systems.
- Richter and Lueg staged 'Living with Pop – A Demonstration of Capitalist Realism' at Mobelhaus Berges in 1963.
- The movement was influenced by Fluxus and used happenings, multiples, and photorealistic techniques.
- Galllerist René Block promoted the movement through Edition Block, founded in 1966.
- Capitalist Realism influenced later artists such as Martin Kippenberger, Albert Oehlen, and Neo Rauch.
- Art historian Andrew Stefan Weiner describes Capitalist Realism as a critical concept for contemporary cultural production.
Entities
Artists
- Gerhard Richter
- Sigmar Polke
- Konrad Lueg
- Manfred Kuttner
- K.P. Brehmer
- Joseph Beuys
- Otto Piene
- Heinz Mack
- Karl Otto Gotz
- Martin Kippenberger
- Albert Oehlen
- Neo Rauch
- Ai Weiwei
- Stephanie Syjuco
- Christopher Williams
- Kai Althoff
- Eduardo Paolozzi
- Richard Hamilton
- Robert Rauschenberg
- Andy Warhol
- Claes Oldenburg
- K.H. Hodicke
- Arthur Kopcke
- Wolf Vostell
- Peter Hutchison
- Barbara Rose
- Ian Buruma
- Jaimey Hamilton Faris
- Andrew Stefan Weiner
- Mark Fisher
- Moham Ratnman
- Darryn Ansted
- Andrew Weiner
Institutions
- Academy of Düsseldorf
- Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)
- Tate Modern
- Fondation Louis Vuitton
- Museu d'Art Contemporani (MACBA)
- Blaffer Art Museum
- Fondation Vincent Van Gogh Arles
- Edition Block
- Propellor Group
- ChristieBooks
- Ashgate Book
- Entremonde
- Académie de Düsseldorf
- Museu d’Art Contemporani (MACBA)
- Art International
- Factory
Locations
- Düsseldorf
- Germany
- Berlin
- Berlin-West
- Berlin-East
- New York
- United States
- Barcelona
- Spain
- London
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- France
- Houston
- Arles
- Japan
- China
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Vietnam
- Los Angeles
- West Berlin
- East Berlin
- Hô Chi Minh-Ville