Downtime Interview w/ Marko Köppe
“I love the power, the anarchy and the flexibility to escape while creating something new out of things that already exist, and to dive into my own imagination.”
— Marko Köppe, 2026
1) LOCATION?
In the north of Germany, in a normal provincial town of moderate importance, whose name very few people outside the town can pronounce, unless they’re trying to scare you. So the town’s reputation leaves a lot to be desired. Let’s just say near Hamburg. 🇩🇪
2) HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH COLLAGE?
Round about a quarter of a century.
3) WHY IS COLLAGE AN APPEALING MEDIUM?
Destroy and create.
Collage is unreal. It’s still the best reality ;-)
I love the power, the anarchy and the flexibility to escape while creating something new out of things that already exist, and to dive into my own imagination. Breaking down the materials, images or the everyday advertising rubbish we’re bombarded with – fragmenting reality down into such small pieces that you can bear them, that they become beautiful, and that you can reassemble them into something new. And, of course, there’s the surprise you can experience in the process. Collage is like life: choose what suits you, what you like; look for the little ‘beauties’ and contrasts, and rearrange them to create your own version, just as you want to see it. Collage, and art in general, is a process in which you can let yourself go – let it flow. To follow your subconscious – what appeal does that hold for you, in this combination or that?
“Collage is the systematic exploitation of chance.”
– Max Ernst
I love his work!!! You have to guide it. This poses a major challenge when working digitally. It’s not a question of why I do it; I have to do it – otherwise, I’d go completely mad ;-)
4) WHO ARE THE BIGGEST INFLUENCES?
Art, culture, music, literature and nature are the biggest influences on my work. Contrast this with Albert Einstein’s remark: “Only two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity – and I’m not entirely sure about the former.”
Thus providing a rich source of inspiration to draw upon – to put it positively ;-) I really love Mark Rothko’s work, especially since I had the chance to see some of his paintings in real life. It was a spiritual impact on me. I also love the classics and modern art. I love going to museums and galleries and watching how artists build their pictures – the combination of composition and contrast. The internet, with all those fascinating artists and collage artists worldwide, also influences me in the moment. I enjoy watching their work.
5) ANALOG VS DIGITAL, WHAT ARE THE PROS & CONS OF EACH?
I like both. Sometimes I just click on my computer, but to get really into it, I like to work analogue – to tear apart, to fragment, to build up something new.
I also like to scan analogue pieces and use them digitally, but I mostly stay within the world of analogue work.
6) WHAT ARE THREE TIPS FOR SOMEONE STARTING OUT IN COLLAGE?
Look for lines, patterns and colours that fit together well in your eyes.
Do what you like. Create what you like and, most importantly, have fun while doing it.
It’s the process that counts.
7) HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWNTIME?
In nature. Riding my bicycle into the countryside. If it’s summer and warm, painting in nature or sleeping at the beach. Visiting friends and family, museums and art exhibitions. Going to music events, from punk to classical. Reading good books, looking at fascinating clouds and trying to dream...
8) WHERE DO YOU SEE YOUR ART PRACTICE HEADING?
In exploring and trying out new combinations, and in surprising oneself.
‘the abstract portrait dream disaster memories of what I said something stupid;-)’ - analog collage, A4 paper, 2026
9) WHICH THREE ARTISTS SHOULD WE CHECK OUT?
Three is difficult – how about five? ;-)
All those great, inspiring collage artists here on the internet!!!
Else:
Kati Heck, Kathrin Linkersdorff and Albert Oehlen. I saw their work and it was so fascinating. I also love Per Adolfsen.
10) WHAT MUSIC ARE YOU LOVING RIGHT NOW?
The last concert I went to was by Deutsche Laichen. I absolutely love their first LP, with its fast-paced punk rock sound full of anger and energy.
I also went to see the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra, who performed works by Dvořák and Rachmaninov alongside the soloist Symon Nehring, conducted by Delyana Lazarova.
Maybe I’ll go to The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble next time. And if it’s summertime, I love listening to J.J. Cale’s album No. 5.
Deutsche Laichen – Bandcamp
The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble – Bandcamp
11) ANY UP-AND-COMING EXHIBITIONS OR PROJECTS WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?
Once I heard an older female photographer say: “The best picture is the one I will do tomorrow!”
So: Sure. My best collage will be the one I will make tomorrow.
See more 👀
Instagram: @markokoeppe
Tumbr: merzcom.tumblr.com
