Christoph Ruckhäberle German, b. 1972
Overview
Untitled (Portrait 5), 2009
Christoph Ruckhäberle is a leading figure of the New Leipzig School, and he is celebrated for his vibrant, expressive canvases and prints . Trained in animation at CalArts (1991–92) and later at the Leipzig Academy (BFA 1995, MFA 2002), Ruckhäberle quickly distinguished himself through figurative painting that merges narrative, geometry, and color.
His scenes depict groups of figures—dancing, lounging, interfacing—in classical poses and social settings. Through bold color, hard-edge forms, and rhythmic geometries, he transforms everyday interaction into dynamic compositions where body language, gesture, and collective energy take center stage These tableaux balance storytelling with abstraction, inviting viewers to decode their own narratives.
His scenes depict groups of figures—dancing, lounging, interfacing—in classical poses and social settings. Through bold color, hard-edge forms, and rhythmic geometries, he transforms everyday interaction into dynamic compositions where body language, gesture, and collective energy take center stage These tableaux balance storytelling with abstraction, inviting viewers to decode their own narratives.
Ruckhäberle has had exhibitions at Wels Stadtgalerie (Wels), Arken (Ishøj), Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (Massachusetts), Sammlung Philara (Dusseldorf), Sammlung-Essl (Klosterneuburg), Museum der bildenden Künste (Leipzig) and Museo Nacional de la Estampa (Mexico City) among many others. His works can be found in numerous collections throughout Europe and North America, including the Museum of Modern Art (New York), Essl Museum – Contemporary Art (Vienna), the Rubell Family Collection (Miami) and Migros museum fur gegenwartskunst (Zurich) among others.
Works
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Untitled (Portrait 5), 2009
Exhibitions
