50 years Kunstforum International

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Homage with contributions from outstanding artists and curators

The art magazine Kunstforum international, usually published every two months, is a recognized force within the German-speaking art scene. It is reflecting contemporary art and an indispensable tool for artists, art insiders and people who understand art as a living philosophy. Founded on March 23, 1973, Kunstforum International is now celebrating its 50th birthday with its 288th volume.

Kunstforum International vol.288
Kunstforum International vol.288

Dieter and Andrea Bechtloff - a dream team of contemporary art history

The unique success story as a major part of the international art information business was made possible by  Dieter and Andrea Bechtloff. Andrea has been in charge of the editorial team for 40 years. More than almost any other medium,  Kunstforum International has led contemporary art debates, brought social politics and art together, always keeping its finger on the pulse of time. The anniversary volume once again demonstrates why this art magazine in book form became an essential source for artists and every art lover.
With the anniversary, the magazine will be transferred to new hands. The renowned Munich art book publisher Hirmer takes over the magazine, starting with the 289th issue. New Editor-in-chief will be  art historian and critic Ann-Katrin Günzel, who has been already an author for Kunstforum International since 2008.

Kunstform International. Screenshot content
Kunstform International. Screenshot content

In conversations with very different companions of the last 50 years like Erhard Klein, Heinz Zolper, Kaspar König or Jürgen Klauke and additionally also with younger artists, the anniversary volume recalls the moving history of the magazine as an essential medium of contemporary art. Outstanding artists and curators comment their relation and history with the magazine and the editors. This volume is about the personal relationship to KUNSTFORUM International, about the question of its influence on one's own work or an assessment of its importance. The results are unique testimonies that itself highlight as well artists who have been relevant for decades, independent of art market promotion and marketing mechanism.

Heinz Zolper, Screenshot Beitrag in Kunstforum International, vol. 288
Heinz Zolper, Screenshot Beitrag in Kunstforum International, vol. 288

Interview with Heinz Zolper: classifying contemporary art history

With more than 30,000 texts and more than 200,000 images Kunstforum International is as well an incredible huge art archive of our time. One of the artists who is always part of the magazine is Heinz Zolper. He occupies a prominent position in the magazine’s spectrum like hardly any other artist. Since the early 1980s, the magazine has repeatedly devoted larger articles to him and pointed to his importance within contemporary art. He is being recognized as a prominent companion and friend of the Kunstforum International and its publishers.

Zolper, Heinz. selection of his contributions to Kunstforum International
Zolper, Heinz. selection of his contributions to Kunstforum International

Just a few years ago, Kunstforum International had congratulated Heinz Zolper on his 70th birthday and once again drew attention to his more than 50 years of creative power. Zolper was invited by the magazine editors for an interview as his personal contribution.

Interview partner Jürgen Raap once again highlights the artist's work, refers to his contribution to Kunstforum International  and his relation towards the publishers. In the subsequent interview, Zolper shows his talent as an artist, market observer and cultural philosopher. The interview once again clearly shows that Heinz Zolper is a unique personality, one of the greats of contemporary art.

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Quellen:
zolper.art/50-jahre-kunstforum-interview-mit-heinz-zolper/
kunstforum.de/artikel/aktuelle-kunstgeschichte-ordnen/