Buchholz Schipper

Buchholz Schipper by Martin Kippenberger

Martin Kippenberger, 1990

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About this artwork

This is the “Buchholz Schipper” by Martin Kippenberger. Created in 1990 as a screen‑print on paper, it’s a bold, eye‑catching poster that pays tribute to two Cologne art dealers, Daniel Buchholz and Esther Schipper. Kippenberger’s poster work was more than advertising – it was a way to subvert the conventions of the art world, turning a simple flyer into a cultural statement.

With 178 posters in his career, Kippenberger used the medium to humorously critique society, mix provocative imagery with witty text, and blur the line between commercial design and fine art. “Buchholz Schipper” is a perfect example: it’s sharp, playful, and full of the artist’s signature irony. Even though it looks like a simple announcement, it’s a piece that invites viewers to question what’s really being promoted and who gets to decide that.

See it in person

Buchholz Schipper is in the collection of Tate Modern on Bankside, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.

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