Biography

Konrad Klapheck is a German painter and is regarded as a classic of the post war Avantgarde.Between 1954 and 1958 he studied at the Düsseldorf Art Academy under Bruno Goller. From the beginning of his studies Paris and the surrealists, including André Breton had a significant influence on his art. In 1965 he had his first solo exhibition in Paris and from 1997 until 2002 he taught at the Düsseldorf Art Academy. His painting style unites surrealistic and neo realistic characteristics with aspects of Pop Art. His precise, large format realistic works frequently present mechanical objects, such as typewriters or irons, making them appear deeply unfamiliar. His choice of title often opens up a whole new perspective on the work, such as his image of an iron which he calls ‘The fanatic’ (1979).

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1935

Konrad Klapheck is born in Düsseldorf on February 10

(lives and works in Düsseldorf)

1954

Studies at the Düsseldorf Art Academy with Bruno Goller


1955

First painting with typewriter. Bruno Goller encourages him to object painting

1960

Klapheck receives the promotional award for the great art prize of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Later he will refuse all art prizes and other honors

1979

Professorship at the Düsseldorf Art Academy

1997

After 42 years he ends his series dedicated to the object and the machine and begins a new series of paintings with nudes in interiors and landscapes

2009

Klapheck is commissioned to design the official poster for the Roland Garros tennis tournament (French Open)

2010

Appointed honorary member of the Düsseldorf Art Academy

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