Born in Cologne in 1958, Jutta Koether studied art and philosophy at the University of Cologne and the Independent Study Program of the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. In 1980, she joined the editorial staff of the music and art journal Spex. She has also written for such publications as Eau de Cologne, Artforum, _Texte zur Kuns_t, and Flash Art. She is the author of several books, including f. (1987), which was translated into English and republished by Sternberg Press in 2015. Her work is marked by multiple collaborations, including her participation in the collective Reena Spaulings, and her musical performances with Rita Ackerman, Tony Conrad, Kim Gordon, John Miller, Steven Parrino, and Tom Verlaine.
Solo shows of her work have been held at Museum Brandhorst, Munich; Mudam Luxembourg; Moderna Museet, Stockholm; Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven; Kunsthalle Bern, Switzerland; Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna; Kölnischer Kunstverein, Cologne; Galerie Buchholz Berlin and Cologne; as well as Pat Hearn Gallery, New York, among other venues.
Koether’s work can be found in the collections of The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Kunsthalle Bern, Switzerland; Museum moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien, Vienna; MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst, Frankfurt am Main; Musée d’Art moderne de la Ville de Paris; Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam; Saatchi Gallery, London; and Museum Brandhorst, Munich, among others.
Since 2010, Koether has been Professor for Painting and Drawing at the University of Fine Arts Hamburg. Since the mid-1990s, she has held visiting professorships and lectureships at Berlin University of the Arts; Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen; Cooper Union School of Art, New York; Columbia University, New York; School of Visual Arts, New York; Bard College, Annandale-on-Hudson; and Yale University, New Haven.
Text courtesy Lévy Gorvy Dayan.


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