In an intimate interview with Carlo Antonelli, German artist Kai Althoff discusses the psychological origins of the figures that populate his paintings and his collaborative history with Isa Genzken. Althoff describes his characters as a mix of imagined friends, despicable archetypes, and spirits that emerge subconsciously to outshine his own perceived mediocrity. He also reflects on his early influences, ranging from German-localized Marvel horror comics to the improvisational 'home video' skits he produced with Genzken, which he characterizes as a film about love.
This conversation provides rare insight into the internal world of one of contemporary art's most enigmatic figures, whose work often defies easy categorization. By exploring Althoff's feelings on identity, the fluidity of the self, and his rejection of a fixed reality, the interview highlights the deeply personal and spiritual motivations behind his multidisciplinary practice. It underscores the importance of collaboration and subculture in shaping the aesthetic of the Cologne art scene and its lasting impact on global contemporary art.