Silke Otto-Knapp (1970–2022), painter of dance and theatre
Silke Otto-Knapp, a renowned German artist known for her striking black-and-white watercolors inspired by 20th-century dance and performance, has died. Her artwork often depicted silhouetted figures in lively stances across multiple panels, echoing the feel of theater sets. She also included stylized images of clouds, trees, and buildings, encouraging viewers to feel part of the artwork. Otto-Knapp was born in Osnabrück, Germany, earning her MA from Chelsea College of Art and Design in 2006 and a Cultural Studies degree from the University of Hildesheim in 2007. Living in Los Angeles, she began teaching Painting and Drawing at UCLA in 2015. Her pieces were featured in the São Paulo Biennial (2021) and Liverpool Biennial (2018), with upcoming shows at the Hammer Museum and Casa Mutina Milano.
Key facts
- Silke Otto-Knapp died in 2022.
- She worked primarily in black and white watercolour.
- Her paintings were inspired by 20th-century dance, theatre, and performance.
- Works often featured silhouetted figures on multiple canvas panels.
- She also painted stylized clouds, trees, and architectural elements.
- Born in Osnabrück, Germany.
- Earned MA from Chelsea College of Art and Design (2006).
- Degree in Cultural Studies from University of Hildesheim (2007).
- Lived in Los Angeles and taught at UCLA from 2015.
- Exhibited at São Paulo Biennial (2021), Liverpool Biennial (2018), Made in LA (2016).
- Upcoming: Joan Didion: What She Means at Hammer Museum, Los Angeles.
- Upcoming solo project at Casa Mutina Milano, Italy.
Entities
Artists
- Silke Otto-Knapp
Institutions
- Chelsea College of Art and Design
- University of Hildesheim
- University of California Los Angeles
- Hammer Museum
- Casa Mutina Milano
Locations
- Osnabrück
- Germany
- London
- Los Angeles
- São Paulo
- Liverpool
- Milan
- Italy