Meaning: This quote by German artist Martin Kippenberger reflects his unique approach to art and the experience he aimed to create for his audience. Kippenberger was a prominent figure in the contemporary art world during the late 20th century, known for his diverse body of work that encompassed painting, sculpture, installation, and performance art. His quote suggests that he was not only concerned with creating visually impactful or conceptually stimulating art, but also with evoking a specific emotional response or mood in those who encountered his work.

Kippenberger's emphasis on creating a "really good mood" through his art speaks to his desire to engage viewers on a personal and emotional level. Rather than seeking to impress or shock his audience, he aimed to connect with them in a more intimate and relatable way. This approach aligns with the broader movement of relational aesthetics, which emerged in the 1990s and emphasized the social and emotional dimensions of art, often through interactive or participatory experiences.

In many ways, Kippenberger's work can be seen as a reflection of his own irreverent and often humorous personality. His art was characterized by a playful and subversive sensibility, often incorporating elements of satire and self-deprecation. By aiming to create a "really good mood," Kippenberger sought to infuse his work with a sense of joy and lightheartedness, challenging the notion that art had to be serious or solemn in order to be meaningful.

It's important to note that Kippenberger's approach to art was deeply rooted in his own personal experiences and worldview. Throughout his career, he grappled with issues of identity, authenticity, and the role of the artist in contemporary society. His work often engaged with themes of self-portraiture, autobiography, and the blurring of boundaries between art and life. By creating a "really good mood," Kippenberger may have been inviting viewers to share in his own perspective, to see the world through his eyes and to find joy in the absurdities and contradictions of everyday life.

In addition to the emotional resonance of his work, Kippenberger was also known for his bold and unapologetic exploration of artistic conventions. He challenged traditional notions of authorship, originality, and artistic mastery, often incorporating found objects, amateurish techniques, and provocative subject matter in his work. By creating a "really good mood," Kippenberger may have been alluding to the liberating and boundary-pushing nature of his art, inviting viewers to embrace the freedom and spontaneity that characterized his practice.

Finally, it's worth considering the broader implications of Kippenberger's quote in the context of the art world and its reception. By emphasizing the importance of mood and emotional impact in art, Kippenberger may have been advocating for a more holistic and inclusive approach to artistic evaluation. Rather than focusing solely on formal or intellectual considerations, he encouraged viewers to engage with art on a visceral and emotional level, to appreciate the ways in which it can shape our experiences and outlook on the world.

In conclusion, Martin Kippenberger's quote captures his commitment to creating art that elicits a "really good mood," reflecting his desire to connect with viewers on an emotional and personal level. His emphasis on mood speaks to his irreverent and playful approach to art, as well as his broader engagement with issues of identity, authenticity, and artistic convention. By inviting viewers to share in his perspective and embrace the emotional impact of his work, Kippenberger challenged traditional notions of artistic evaluation and advocated for a more inclusive and holistic understanding of art's significance.