Markus Lüpertz

This publication was released in 1984 in conjunction with an exhibition of the work of Markus Lüpertz, held at the Wiener Secession in Vienna. As a central figure in the German Neo-Expressionist movement, Lüpertz’s work from this era is characterized by its heavy brushwork, mythological iconography, and a deliberate engagement with the darker aspects of German cultural history. The catalog serves as a critical document of his transition into the mid-1980s, capturing the raw, sculptural quality of his painting style which sought to revitalize European modernism through provocative, often confrontational imagery.

The design of the monograph reflects the minimalist yet bold aesthetic typically associated with the Wiener Secession’s institutional publications of the period. By highlighting both the artist's theoretical musings and his visual output, the book offers insight into Lüpertz’s identity as an artist who bridged the gap between traditional craftsmanship and the fragmented sensibilities of contemporary art. It was received as a significant record of a pivotal solo exhibition, solidifying his stature within the international art circuit and providing scholars with a formal archive of his mid-career stylistic development.