An auction of works from the personal collection of Kasper König, the trailblazing German curator, has raised around €6 million at Van Ham auction house in Cologne. The sale, which took place over two days on October 1 and 2, had been meticulously arranged by König before his passing in August 2023 at the age of 80. Known for his spontaneous acquisitions and close relationships with many contemporary artists, König’s collection included a wide array of works, many of which were personal gifts from artist friends.
On Kawara’s “Date Paintings” Steal the Show
The highlight of the auction was a record-breaking sale of a “date painting” by the renowned Japanese conceptual artist On Kawara. The painting, featuring the date May 7, 1967 in bold red and white, sold for a hammer price of €800,000 (€1.06 million with fees) to a British collector, setting a new auction record for one of Kawara’s date-themed works. Kawara was a close friend of König, and their relationship spanned decades, with many of Kawara’s pieces forming part of König’s collection.
Another Kawara painting, 21 Nov 2003, fetched €290,000. This black date painting had significant sentimental value, as it was gifted to König on his 60th birthday, which occurred on the date depicted in the artwork. A Swiss buyer successfully acquired this unique piece.
Other Standout Sales: Copley, Schütte, and Oldenburg
In addition to Kawara’s paintings, other notable lots from König’s collection performed well at the auction. A private collector from Berlin purchased William Nelson Copley’s Lady Be Good for €172,000, reflecting König’s eclectic taste in art.
A striking red garland sculpture by Thomas Schütte, which once hung in König’s Berlin apartment, sold for €132,000. The sculpture had been a prominent fixture in König’s personal living space, adding to its appeal for collectors.
Another significant sale was Claes Oldenburg’s Ghost Wardrobe for M. M., which achieved €343,000 from a British collector. Oldenburg and König shared a close bond, dating back to König’s first curatorial project at age 23—a solo exhibition for Oldenburg in Stockholm. This lifelong friendship made the sale of Oldenburg’s work a poignant moment in the auction.
Additionally, Sigmar Polke’s Meisterwerk als Ramsch versteigert (Masterpiece Sold as Junk), which had been chosen as the cover image for the auction catalogue, fetched €73,000. The work, known for its ironic commentary on the art world, was one of several standout pieces from König’s collection.
A Legacy of Contemporary Art and Cultural Impact
Kasper König was not just a collector but one of the most influential curators of contemporary art in his generation. Throughout his career, he championed artists who are now considered some of the most important figures in modern art, including Carl Andre, Sol LeWitt, Dan Graham, Bruce Nauman, and Andy Warhol. His decade-long stint in New York played a pivotal role in establishing his global connections and cementing his legacy in the international art scene.
König also founded the Skulptur Projekte Münster, a prestigious sculpture exhibition that takes place every ten years, which has become a cornerstone of contemporary public art. His academic contributions include teaching at the Städel art school in Frankfurt, and his tenure as director of the Museum Ludwig in Cologne from 2000 to 2012 further solidified his influence in the museum world.
In his later years, König continued to shape the contemporary art landscape. In 2022, he donated 50 works to the Museum Ludwig, including pieces by artists such as Pawel Althamer, Maria Eichhorn, Isa Genzken, Jenny Holzer, and Jeremy Deller. His generous donations and commitment to the arts have left an indelible mark on the museum and the broader cultural community.
The Significance of the Auction
The auction at Van Ham was more than a simple sale of artworks; it was a reflection of König’s unique approach to art and collecting. Unlike traditional collectors, König’s acquisitions were often spontaneous and deeply personal, resulting in a collection that encapsulated his relationships with artists and his curatorial vision. The success of the auction highlights the enduring importance of König’s contributions to the art world, both as a curator and as a patron.
As the hammer fell on the final lot, the auction not only celebrated König’s extraordinary life and career but also cemented his legacy within the annals of contemporary art history. His collection, like his career, was a testament to his deep understanding of art and his unparalleled ability to connect with the artists who created it.
The sale of these works will ensure that his impact continues to resonate with collectors, institutions, and art lovers around the world for years to come.
