Femme Atelier Peinture / 5 Taxis

21 x 29,5 cm, 48 Pages, Softcover, Self-Published, 2024 / based on Kippenberger/Dokupil Publication 4 Taxis/Homme Peinture A Cologne, 1983

„Femme Atelier Peinture / 5 Taxis“ by Charlie Stein revisits and reinterprets Martin Kippenberger’s 1983 publication 4 Taxis / Homme Peinture à Cologne, created in collaboration with Jirí Georg Dokoupil. The original 4 Taxis was an obscure yet influential art magazine that captured the vibrant Cologne art scene of the time. The title, 4 Taxis, originated from a practical joke between Kippenberger and Dokoupil. After a night of drinking, the two artists decided to each take a separate taxi home despite their proximity, racking up an exorbitant bill. This absurd gesture became emblematic of the playful and irreverent spirit that defined the publication.

In Femme Atelier Peinture / 5 Taxis, Stein introduces a fifth taxi, adding a new layer to the original concept. This addition is particularly meaningful, as it represents a woman letting herself in on the joke—a deliberate insertion into a narrative that was originally dominated by men. By doing so, Stein shifts the narrative, offering a perspective that engages critically with the notion of artistic genius and its predominantly male representation. The cover of Stein’s book mirrors the design of 4 Taxis, creating a visual and conceptual link to Kippenberger and Dokoupil’s work while simultaneously commenting on the broader art historical narrative.

Stein’s reference to the „double artist“ concept draws a connection to Alighiero e Boetti, an artist known for exploring dualities and the complexities of identity in his work. Boetti’s idea of the artist as both singular and plural resonates within Stein’s publication, as she positions herself in dialogue with these male predecessors, challenging and reinterpreting their influence.

The creation of Femme Atelier Peinture / 5 Taxis was made possible through the support of MoMA New York and their archives, which provided Stein with essential resources to deeply engage with the historical context of this rather obscure publication of 4 Taxis. The archival access ensured that Stein’s work was not only visually compelling but also rooted in a rich, researched dialogue with the past.

Femme Atelier Peinture / 5 Taxis engages with the legacy of Kippenberger, Dokoupil, and Boetti while asserting a female presence in contemporary art.