ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Katharina Fritsch's First Major UK Survey at Tate Modern

exhibition · 2026-04-23

From September 7 to December 9, 2001, Tate Modern is hosting the first significant exhibition of German sculptor Katharina Fritsch in the UK. This showcase includes eighteen pieces, ranging from the life-sized 'Elephant' created in 1987 to works finished that same year, highlighting her varied artistic approach and recurring motifs. 'Man and Mouse' (1991-92) delves into the contrast between dreams and reality, as well as nature and culture. The artwork 'Dealer' (2001) features a red figure with a ponytail, while 'Trade Fair Stand with Four Figures' (1985-2001) employs a minimalist block to hold statues of Saint Nicholas. 'Ghost and Pool of Blood' (1988) portrays a ghost in front of a human figure, and 'Display Stand with Madonna Figures' (1987-89) showcases 288 yellow statuettes, emphasizing the aura of authorship. Review by Peter Suchin, translated by Frank Straschitz.

Key facts

  • First major survey of Katharina Fritsch in England
  • Exhibition at Tate Modern, London
  • Dates: September 7 to December 9, 2001
  • 18 works from 1987 to 2001
  • Includes 'Elephant' (1987), 'Man and Mouse' (1991-92), 'Dealer' (2001), 'Trade Fair Stand with Four Figures' (1985-2001), 'Ghost and Pool of Blood' (1988), 'Display Stand with Madonna Figures' (1987-89), 'Company at Table' (1988)
  • Themes: handmade vs industrial, dream vs reality, nature vs culture, miniature vs gigantic, masculine vs feminine, art vs business
  • Review by Peter Suchin, translated by Frank Straschitz
  • Published in artpress

Entities

Artists

  • Katharina Fritsch
  • Jeff Koons
  • Haim Steinbach
  • Andy Warhol
  • Roland Barthes
  • Peter Suchin
  • Frank Straschitz

Institutions

  • Tate Modern
  • artpress

Locations

  • London
  • England

Sources