Paul Thek, artist's artist

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Paul Thek's work straddles the line between high and low art, blending the epic with the everyday. Throughout his life (1933-1988), he challenged prevailing art trends, infusing institutional spaces with humor, spirituality, and a distinct character. Two decades after his death from AIDS, Thek's influence is evident in the works of contemporary artists such as Vito Acconci, Bruce Nauman, Matthew Barney, and Mike Kelley. This book compiles over 300 of Thek's works, many published for the first time, presenting the most extensive collection of his art to date. Accompanying an exhibition at ZKM – Museum of Contemporary Art, the book showcases Thek's paintings, sculptures, drawings, and installations, alongside photographs of his immersive environments that blend elements from art, literature, theater, and religion. Thek's evolution from an outsider to a pivotal figure in contemporary art is highlighted, with his diverse works reflecting the artistic revolution of the 1960s. His exploration of the body in pieces like "Technological Reliquaries" evokes Christian relics while foreshadowing the work of Damien Hirst. Featuring over 500 images (300 in color) and nineteen essays by various art historians, curators, and artists, the book examines Thek's art and its impact on younger generations of artists he has inspired.