ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Michael Krebber's Elusive Painting Practice Surveyed at Kunsthalle Bern

exhibition · 2026-04-20

From February 18 to April 30, Kunsthalle Bern showcases an exhibition of Michael Krebber's artwork, comprising 55 pieces produced between 1986 and 2016. This event follows a more extensive display at the Serralves Museum in Porto. The artist, hailing from Cologne and now in his sixties, is recognized for his conceptual approach to painting, characterized by swift brushwork and spray techniques on various surfaces. The exhibition begins with "Contempt for One's Own Work as Planning for Career" (2001). Notable recurring themes include snails and keyholes, featured in works like "The average, edible fish says ADIEU" (2001). Krebber also experiments with installation and display, as seen in recent pieces like "MK/M" (2014/15), which incorporate blocky forms that reference digital aesthetics while highlighting the physicality of painting.

Key facts

  • Exhibition runs from 18 February to 30 April at Kunsthalle Bern
  • Features 55 works created between 1986 and 2016
  • Condensed version of earlier show at Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art, Porto
  • Michael Krebber is a Cologne-born artist in his sixties
  • Includes painting series "The average, edible fish says ADIEU" from 2001
  • Installation includes chopped windsurfing boards and propped canvases
  • Krebber studied under Markus Lüpertz and worked for Martin Kippenberger and Georg Baselitz
  • Work "Miami City Ballet IV" (2010) features three canvases with shared dust cover

Entities

Artists

  • Michael Krebber
  • Markus Lüpertz
  • Martin Kippenberger
  • Georg Baselitz

Institutions

  • Kunsthalle Bern
  • Serralves Museum of Contemporary Art
  • ArtReview

Locations

  • Bern
  • Switzerland
  • Porto
  • Portugal
  • Cologne
  • Germany

Sources