Photo: Taku Matsuda
Stefan Marx is an artist based in Berlin, Germany. Attracting the attention of many from all over the world, his amusing and intelligent drawings, which capture everyday life through his excellent powers of observation, are widely seen through diverse media such as artist books, canvases, t-shirts and record covers. Marx is an active participant in art book fairs and regularly publishes artist books through publishers like Nieves Books and Tonini Editore and via self-publishing as well, making him an important artist in the international independent publishing scene.
The exhibition “Die Hefte”—meaning “booklet” in German—features a chronological showcase of around 90 artist’s books and zines Marx has produced from 2003 to the present. Through this comprehensive compilation of Marx’s oeuvre, visitors will be able to experience the artist’s free and playful worldview and the possibilities of the book as a medium for diverse expression. On view will be also “Liberty Flower Shop,” a collaborative project between Marx and curator Liberty Adrien. See an artist's book that looks like a bouquet, with drawings featuring hand-cut flowers screen-printed, then bound with ribbon as desired.
To coincide with this exhibition, TABF will publish “Die Hefte—ステファン・マルクス アーティストブック大全,” a compilation of all covers of Marx's publications to date.
Stefan Marx
Stefan Marx is a German contemporary artist recognized for his distinctive line drawings, typeworks and artist books. Born in 1979, Marx draws heavily from subcultures such as music, zine making and changing environments by traveling, often infusing his work with a whimsical yet thought-provoking quality. His drawings revolve around simple yet expressive linework paired with handwritten text, frequently offering humorous or reflective commentary on our lifes. In addition to his work on paper and canvas, Marx is deeply involved in zine and artist book culture, creating numerous self-published artist books and collaborating with independent publishers and galleries. His collaborations extend to the fashion world, with brands like Comme des Garcons and The Ennoy Professional, as well as musicians and record labels. Marx's work has been exhibited internationally, from galleries to major art fairs, and he remains an influential figure in blending artistic expression with pop and youth culture influences.