Philipp Keel: Artist, Author & Diogenes Publisher - A Profile

Ever wondered what it takes to straddle the worlds of art, literature, and film? Philipp Keel embodies such a multifaceted existence, seamlessly transitioning between being an internationally acclaimed artist, a celebrated author, and a dynamic publisher.

Philipp Keel isn't just a name; it's a brand synonymous with creativity and innovation. Born on July 16, 1968, in Zurich, Switzerland, Keel embarked on an artistic journey that defied conventional boundaries. His early life was steeped in the vibrant cultural landscape of Zurich, a city known for its art, design, and literary heritage. However, Keel's creative compass soon pointed him towards international horizons, setting the stage for a diverse and impactful career.

Category Information
Full Name Philipp Keel
Birth Date July 16, 1968
Birth Place Zurich, Switzerland
Nationality Swiss
Occupation Artist, Author, Publisher, Filmmaker, Producer
Education Berklee College of Music (Boston), Hochschule für Film und Fernsehen (Munich)
Known For Bestselling series "All About Me" and "All About Us", Diogenes Verlag AG
Notable Works (Film) Deep Water (2022), Ripley (2024), Untitled Patricia Highsmith Project
Artistic Disciplines Photography, Painting, Drawing, Filmmaking
Exhibitions Numerous international exhibitions, including Bildhalle Zurich and a 2023 exhibition in Berlin
Influences Fellini, Sendak, Steinberg, Palm Trees
Publisher Diogenes Verlag AG (since 2012)
Residence Zurich, Switzerland & Los Angeles, USA
Website Diogenes Verlag AG

Keel's academic pursuits further fueled his artistic trajectory. He honed his musical talents at Berklee College of Music in Boston, a prestigious institution renowned for its contemporary music programs. This foundation in music theory and composition would later inform his approach to filmmaking, lending a unique rhythm and cadence to his visual storytelling. Subsequently, he immersed himself in the world of cinema at the Hochschule für Film und Fernsehen in Munich, where he mastered the technical and artistic nuances of filmmaking.

Before fully embracing the life of a full-time artist, Keel navigated the corporate landscape, gaining valuable experience in advertising. This stint in the advertising industry provided him with insights into marketing, branding, and consumer psychology, skills that would prove invaluable in promoting his own artistic endeavors later in his career. However, the allure of creative freedom beckoned, prompting him to trade the boardroom for the film set and the canvas.

Keel's initial foray into filmmaking yielded noteworthy projects, including the docudrama "Greetings from Pine Ridge," a poignant exploration of life on a Native American reservation. This early work showcased his ability to tackle socially relevant themes with sensitivity and artistic vision. He further solidified his directorial credentials with "Casual," an independently produced film that demonstrated his knack for capturing the intricacies of human relationships.

The international stage beckoned, and Keel heeded the call, spending over two decades in the United States, primarily in California. This period of immersion in the American art scene exposed him to diverse artistic disciplines and fostered collaborations with fellow creatives. It was during this time that he honed his skills in photography, painting, and drawing, developing a distinctive artistic style that blended elements of realism, abstraction, and surrealism.

Keel's artistic versatility is evident in the breadth of his work, which encompasses photography, painting, drawing, prints, and even sculpture. His photographs often capture fleeting moments of beauty and intrigue, transforming ordinary subjects into objects of contemplation. His paintings are characterized by bold brushstrokes, vibrant colors, and a keen eye for composition. His drawings, on the other hand, reveal a delicate and nuanced approach, showcasing his mastery of line and form.

His artistic creations have graced the walls of numerous international exhibitions, earning him critical acclaim and a dedicated following. His works have been showcased at prominent galleries and museums worldwide, including the prestigious Bildhalle Zurich. These exhibitions serve as a testament to his artistic prowess and his ability to connect with audiences across cultural boundaries.

One of Keel's most notable achievements is his bestselling series, "All About Me" and "All About Us." These books, published by Random House, resonated with readers worldwide, offering a playful and insightful exploration of self-discovery and interpersonal relationships. The series' success propelled Keel into the literary spotlight, solidifying his reputation as a talented author and storyteller.

Keel's literary contributions extend beyond the "All About Me" series. He is also the author of "Look at Me," a captivating collection of his photography that offers a glimpse into his unique visual perspective. This book showcases his ability to capture the essence of a subject, whether it be a person, a place, or an object, with remarkable clarity and artistry.

In addition to his artistic and literary pursuits, Keel has also made significant contributions to the world of publishing. Since April 2012, he has been at the helm of Diogenes Verlag AG, a renowned Swiss publishing house founded by his father, Daniel Keel, in 1952. Philipp Keel took over from his father Daniel Keel, who founded the publishing house in 1952. Under his leadership, Diogenes has continued to champion innovative and thought-provoking literature, publishing works by both established and emerging authors.

Since 2019, Diogenes Verlag AG has been wholly owned by Philipp Keel. The publishing house has a rich history, having been co-managed by Daniel Keel and his school friend Rudolf C. Bettschart since 1954. The company has long been a key player in the literary world. The slogan of Diogenes Tapir is “we present books for a more headstrong life, with which we roam through the present and look the future in the eye. Stories give us other thoughts and make us believe in something, even if the world seems a little hopeless right now.”

Keel's influence extends to the realm of film production. He is credited as a producer on several high-profile film projects, including "Deep Water" (2022), "Ripley" (2024), and an untitled Patricia Highsmith project. These ventures demonstrate his commitment to supporting and promoting quality filmmaking, further solidifying his status as a multifaceted creative force.

Keel's creative process is fueled by a diverse range of influences, including the cinematic vision of Federico Fellini, the whimsical illustrations of Maurice Sendak, the satirical cartoons of Saul Steinberg, and the sun-drenched landscapes of Southern California. These influences, combined with his own unique artistic sensibilities, have shaped his distinctive style and approach to creative expression.

A selection of Philipp Keel's works, represented by Bildhalle, was on display at Art Miami, booth AM116, from December 3 – 8, 2024. This prestigious event provided a platform for showcasing his latest creations to a global audience of art enthusiasts and collectors. His recent exhibition in Berlin in 2023 also drew considerable attention, further cementing his reputation as a leading figure in the contemporary art world.

Keel's photographs, paintings, aquarelles, drawings and screen prints have been presented in international exhibitions. His work is featured in leading collections. His most known works are his bestselling series all about me and all about us (random house, 1998/2000), for color (steidl, 2004) and the series simple. These artistic outputs demonstrates his relentless pursuit of artistic excellence and his unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative expression.

In addition to his other projects, Philipp Keel is currently developing one of his movie scripts, focusing his creative energy on filmmaking. Keel studied at Berklee College of Music in Boston and at the Academy for Film and Television in Munich before working in various artistic disciplines in the USA for twenty years.

Whether he's capturing the essence of a subject through his lens, crafting compelling narratives through his writing, or bringing stories to life on the silver screen, Philipp Keel approaches each endeavor with passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. His latest exhibition was in Berlin in 2023.

From his early studies in music and film to his current projects in art, literature, and film production, Keel's journey is a testament to the power of creative exploration and the boundless potential of the human imagination. Philipp Keel left his parents' house at the age of 16 to study music in Boston. After a few detours, he finally ended up in Los Angeles, became a photo artist and did not play.

He now divides his time between Zurich and Los Angeles, drawing inspiration from both the cosmopolitan energy of the American metropolis and the serene beauty of the Swiss countryside. This transatlantic lifestyle allows him to cultivate a global perspective, infusing his work with diverse cultural influences and a unique blend of artistic sensibilities.

The story of Philipp Keel is not just about artistic achievement; it's about the courage to pursue one's passions, the willingness to embrace change, and the unwavering belief in the power of creativity to transform the world. He became known for his bestselling series "All About Me" and "All About Us" (Random House, 1998/2000), for "Color" (Steidl, 2004) and the series "Simple". He is the author of "All About Me" and its millennium edition as well as "Look at Me," a collection of his photography.

Philipp Keel's journey from a young aspiring musician in Zurich to an internationally acclaimed artist, author, and publisher is a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of creative expression. His legacy is not just in the art he creates, but also in the inspiration he provides to aspiring artists and creatives around the world.

Bilderstrecke zu Diogenes Verleger Philipp Keel im Gespräch Bild 1

Bilderstrecke zu Diogenes Verleger Philipp Keel im Gespräch Bild 1

Diogenes Verlag Auch der Verleger liest fremd Philipp Keel empfiehlt

Diogenes Verlag Auch der Verleger liest fremd Philipp Keel empfiehlt

Philipp Keel, Verleger des Diogenes Verlags, Autor und Künstler Musik

Philipp Keel, Verleger des Diogenes Verlags, Autor und Künstler Musik

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