Katharina Fritsch (* 1956 in Essen), a renowned German sculptor, is celebrated for her striking and enigmatic artworks that explore themes of memory, identity, and perception. Fritsch is acclaimed for her large-scale sculptures, often monochromatic and meticulously crafted, which captivate audiences with their surreal and enigmatic qualities.
Her work frequently incorporates everyday objects and figures, rendered in uniform colors to create a sense of uncanny familiarity and intrigue. Through her distinctive approach, she imbues ordinary subjects with a sense of mystery, prompting viewers to reassess their relationship with the familiar.
Fritsch gained international recognition for her monumental installations, such as “Hahn/Cock,” a colossal blue rooster, which became an iconic piece displayed at prominent art institutions. Her creations challenge viewers to contemplate the essence of objects and symbols, inviting a reconsideration of their cultural significance and psychological impact.
She is recipient of the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement of the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2022
Katharina Fritsch lives and works in Düsseldorf.
Solo exhibitions include (selection):
The George Economou Collection, Athens (2022); SCHÖNEWALD, Dusseldorf (2022), Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University (2019); Walker Art Center, Minneapolis (2017); Museum Folkwang, Essen, Germany (2016); Contemporary Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri (2014); Fourth Plinth, Trafalgar Square, London (2013); Art Institute of Chicago (2012); Kunsthaus Zurich, Switzerland (2009); Deichtorhallen, Hamburg, Germany (2009); Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen, K21, Düsseldorf, Germany (2002); Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago (2001); Tate Modern, London (2001); Museum für Gegenwartskunst, Basel,Switzerland (1997); San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (1996); and Dia: Chelsea, New York (1993). Selected group exhibitions include 59th Venice Biennale (2022); The Perimeter, London (2022); Qatar Museum: Public Art programme, Doha (2022); Kunstmuseum Basel, Switzerland (2020, 2016); The Museum of Modern Art, New York (2018); Moderna Museet Malmö, Sweden (2016); The Art Institute of Chicago (2015); Manifesta 10, Saint Petersburg (2014); 54th Venice Biennale (2011); 8th Gwangju Biennale, South Korea (2010); 7th Biennale de Lyon, France (2003); and 46th Venice Biennale (1995), where she represented Germany. Katharina
