Kasper König, whose revolutionary work as a curator, museum director, and educator has significantly impacted contemporary art for over fifty years, passed away at the age of 80. The announcement of his death was made by Skulptur Projekte Münster, the sculpture-focused exhibition that he established. König was a unique figure, known for continually taking on new projects and establishing his presence in the art world over the decades.
In the 1960s, at a young age, König organized exhibitions with prominent artists such as Claes Oldenburg and Andy Warhol at the Moderna Museet in Stockholm. In collaboration with Klaus Bussmann, he founded the Skulptur Projekte Münster in 1977, an event that exhibits ambitious public artworks every decade. König also founded Portikus in 1987, a respected art hall at the Städelschule in Frankfurt, where he later became rector. From 2000 to 2012, he served as the director of the Museum Ludwig in Cologne, solidifying its reputation as a leading institution for innovative art.
König’s significant contributions include the Skulptur Projekte Münster, which showcases works by leading artists throughout the city. Noteworthy pieces from the project have become defining works in the participating artists’ careers. König was known for his broad artistic interests and support for emerging artists, always on the lookout for new talents to promote and elevate in the art world.
Rudolf König, later known as Kasper, began his art journey in the 1960s, interning with art dealer Rudolf Zwirner, who introduced him to the world of Pop art in Cologne. He studied and worked in London and New York, and his career flourished with his involvement in various art initiatives, such as the Skulptur Projekte Münster. König’s innovative spirit, unconventional practices, and support of avant-garde art movements throughout his career set him apart as a respected leader in the art world.
Kasper König’s legacy includes his involvement in major international art exhibitions and his role in shaping the art narrative through ambitious projects. He advised on significant exhibitions such as Documenta 5 and played a pivotal role in initiatives like Skulptur Projekte Münster and Manifesta. His family, including his brother Walther König, his son Leo Köenig, and his surviving son Johann König, all continue his legacy in the art world. König was known for his humble approach to curating, believing in the importance of artists and their creative processes over grand displays of art.
