After 34 years at the Kunsthochschule Kassel, Harald Knöfel will be stepping down at the end of October 2026. As a lecturer with special responsibilities in the Book and Paper Study Workshop, he ran the studio alongside Susanne Mihm-Lutz. Even before taking up his post in 1992, Knöfel had links with the Kunsthochschule Kassel as a graduate of the teacher training programme and is therefore familiar with both sides – that of the students and that of the teaching staff.
His work centred on the artistic exploration of books and paper: for example, the design of artists’ books and book objects, working with handmade paper, pop-up techniques and paper theatre, the production of coloured paper, and three-dimensional work with paper. Over the decades, Knöfel has passed on his knowledge and experience in these diverse fields to generations of students. “It was important to me to show students the different possibilities offered by the material and to encourage them to work experimentally with the medium, so that they could forge their own artistic and creative paths,” says Knöfel.
Over the years, Knöfel has witnessed and helped shape the changes and developments at the Kunsthochschule Kassel. Together with Susanne Mihm-Lutz, he showcased the rich and varied history of the Book and Paper Studio in the exhibition ‘77 Years of the Book & Paper Study Workshop’, which was on display as part of this year’s tour of the art college. Among other things, the exhibition documented projects from the Book and Paper Study Workshop since 1990 and showcased tutors, artworks, objects and photographs from various phases of the programme. Knöfel was particularly impressed by the collection of samples created by former students in the 1950s, only a fraction of which could be displayed in the exhibition: “Back then, students had more time to engage intensively with elaborate projects and very delicate pen-and-ink drawings and monotypes. They devoted meticulous attention to the development and refinement of their patterns – such as those for the Marburg Wallpaper Factory – or designs for the covers of ‘Insel’ paperbacks. I found it impressive to see these works once again in our exhibition.”
In his farewell address, Rector Prof. Martin Schmidl paid tribute to Knöfel’s long-standing commitment and thanked him for his work at the Kunsthochschule Kassel. In particular, his ongoing dedication to the Book and Paper Studio has made a significant contribution to teaching at the Academy over many years.
At the end of October 2026, Harald Knöfel’s career at the Kunsthochschule Kassel, spanning more than three decades, will come to an end. His work with paper and his exploration of its diverse creative possibilities have shaped generations of students. The Academy wishes Knöfel all the best for the future and plenty of time for exciting new projects.
(Text in German: Çiğdem Özdemir)