Esther Schipper founded the gallery in 1989 in Cologne. In 1997 the gallery relocated to Berlin. Through more than three decades of continuous exhibition practice, the gallery has established itself as a major force not only in Germany but in an international context, with offices in Paris and Seoul and representatives in France, Spain, the United States, Latin America, South Korea, Taiwan and China. The gallery holds up to ten gallery exhibitions as well as multiple off-site projects each year and participates in leading art fairs across the globe.
From the very first exhibitions the gallery specialised on establishing institutional support and finding markets for radically experimental and time-based works. Building on the early pioneering programme—among them, exhibitions and projects with Angela Bulloch, Liam Gillick, General Idea, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Pierre Huyghe, Ugo Rondinone or Philippe Parreno, all of whom continue to be an integral part of the gallery’s programme—Esther Schipper’s long-term commitment to artists has always been at the centre of her gallery’s work.
Currently representing 45 artists and estates, during the last thirty years, the gallery has continuously expanded on the initial core to include innovative artists whose work spans across a wide range of media. The most recent additions are Rosa Barba, Simon Fujiwara, and Jac Leirner, Etienne Chambaud, Cemile Sahin, and Sarah Buckner.
Esther Schipper is committed to present groundbreaking exhibitions with especially commissioned works that often mark novel territories, precipitate important conceptual departures, and initiate new bodies of works.
The archive documenting all gallery’s exhibitions since its founding in 1989 can be found on the Esther Schipper website. (www.estherschipper.com)
A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services