Markus Lüpertz

Published by Michael Werner in 1993, this monograph serves as a significant documentation of the work of Markus Lüpertz, one of the most prominent figures in post-war German art. Coming out of the Neo-Expressionist movement, the book captures a period where Lüpertz was actively challenging traditional boundaries of painting and sculpture through his bold, gestural, and often mythologically charged aesthetic. The publisher, Michael Werner, was instrumental in championing Lüpertz’s career, providing a critical platform for his work to reach an international audience during a time when German art was undergoing a major re-evaluation.

The design of the volume reflects the rigorous, focused approach characteristic of Michael Werner’s archival efforts. It is intended to function not merely as a catalogue, but as a formal survey that places the artist’s oeuvre within the context of European modernism. By juxtaposing his heavy, deliberate brushwork with sharp editorial curation, the publication sought to provide clarity to the complex iconography found in Lüpertz's paintings. It was received as a standard reference for scholars and collectors interested in the 'Neue Wilden' period, praised for its straightforward layout that allows the strength of the artwork to take precedence over the text.