What is perfect earthly happiness for you, Mr. Lüpertz?
The questionnaire, which the writer Marcel Proust filled out several times in his life, at the age of 15 and 16 and in his early 20s, was a popular parlor game in the European salons of the fin de siècle. The entertaining and demanding questions were designed to challenge the mind, charm and inspiration.
Proust believed that by answering these questions, you would reveal your true self and get to know yourself better. We are continuing to play his game today.
The artist and professor Markus Lüpertz kicks off our Q&A session. His answers bring a smile or two to our faces. But read for yourself ...
(The interview with Markus Lüpertz was conducted by his daughter Zaza Lüpertz on 07.08.2024.)
Where would you like to live?
Arcadia.
What is perfect earthly happiness for you?
To be the greatest artist in Arcadia.
What mistakes are you most likely to excuse?
The lie.
What is the greatest misfortune for you?
Death.
Your favorite novel heroes?
Mike Hammer, Philip Marlowe, Odysseus, Anton Reiser.
Your favorite historical figure?
Alexander the Great.
Your favorite heroines/heroes in real life?
My wife.
Your favorite painter?
Hans von Marees (but changes every year).
Your favorite author?
Fontane (changes every year).
Your favorite composer?
Korngold (this is also temporary).
What qualities do you value most in a woman?
The ability to love.
What qualities do you value most in a man?
His pride.
Your favorite virtue?
Generosity.
Your favorite pastime?
Painting.
Who or what would you like to be?
Always me.
Your main character trait?
Cockiness.
What do you value most in your friends?
Esteem, respect, affection and loyalty.
Your biggest flaw?
A completely uncommercial character.
Your dream of happiness?
Eternal life.
What would be the greatest misfortune for you?
Surviving my children.
What would you like to be?
What I am.
Your favorite color?
Caput Mortuum.
Your favorite flower?
Tulip.
Your favorite bird?
Oriole (because of the beautiful name).
Your favorite writer?
Theodor Fontane.
Your favorite poet?
Friedrich Hölderlin.
Your real-life heroes?
Still my wife.
Your heroines in history?
Lucrezia Borgia.
Your favorite names?
The names of my children.
What do you hate the most?
Avarice.
Which historical figures do you detest the most?
Anyone who abuses their power.
Which reform do you admire most?
The Counter-Reformation.
What natural gift would you like to possess?
I have all the gifts I need.
How would you like to die?
In the arms of my wife.
Your current state of mind?
Judge my state of mind by the quality of the questions I answer.
Your motto?
The evening, the rain flows downwards, flows towards lust and in the valley of tenderness lies the island just the two of us.
Discover original art works by Markus Lüpertz at ARTES
Markus Lüpertz, born in 1941 in Reichenberg in Bohemia, is one of the best-known contemporary German artists. His art has earned him international recognition. His extensive oeuvre alternates between representational and abstract phases. After studying art in Krefeld and Düsseldorf from 1956 to 61, he moved to Berlin.
Markus Lüpertz taught at the State Academy of Art in Düsseldorf. He succeeded Joseph Beuys as its rector from 1988 to 2009. Today, the artist lives and works in Berlin, Düsseldorf and Karlsruhe.
His works can be found in many leading collections and museums of modern art around the world. In spring 2015, the Musée d'Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris presented Lüpertz with an extensive retrospective, which reinforced the artist's international relevance.