Martin Kippenberger's Self-Portraits Exhibition at Luhring Augustine Gallery

Luhring Augustine Gallery at 631 W 24th Street presents a Martin Kippenberger self-portrait exhibition through April 30, 2005. The German artist, who died in 1997, created these works during the 1980s and early 1990s. Kippenberger employed various mediums including painting, sculpture, photography, and graphic design. His self-portraits frequently feature alcohol references like beer mugs and cocktail glasses. A recurring character named Fred the Frog appears crucified on a stretcher bar cross while holding a beer mug. Exhibition posters designed by Kippenberger form a wall display, incorporating personal iconography and symbolic systems. Paintings demonstrate off-key intense colors that generate optical frisson alongside either realistic or cartoonish drawing styles. Kippenberger portrays himself in diverse guises ranging from overweight confused figures to svelte post-punk pranksters. Props in the artworks include hangman's nooses and artists' tools alongside the ever-present cocktail glass. The artist's brief involvement with a raucous rock band aligns with his prankster persona. While comparisons to 1980s artists like David Salle and Julian Schnabel are noted, Kippenberger's work maintains graphic punch and genuine pathos. Three concurrent New York exhibitions celebrate the artist's legacy, with this self-portrait show considered particularly noteworthy. Warhol served as inspiration for Kippenberger's embrace of personality cults and multi-disciplinary practice.