Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin Benedikt Taschen
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May 28, 2025 
Benedikt Taschen, the visionary founder of TASCHEN, discusses his transformative journey from a comic book store in Germany to a global publishing powerhouse. He shares insights on the challenges faced in a male-dominated industry and reflects on his childhood experiences that shaped his artistic pursuits. Benedikt delves into the rich cultural tapestry of Cologne and its influence on contemporary art. He also reveals the creative process behind iconic publications, including collaborations with legendary photographers and the significance of storytelling in modern publishing.
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Early Comic Book Dealer Story
- Benedikt Taschen started as a comic book dealer in Cologne at 18 years old, building a mailing list and a store with underground comics from America.
- He recognized the collector's mindset early and aimed to make comics and art books accessible and respected by a wider audience.
Democratizing Art Book Sales
- Taschen challenged the belief that art books can only sell in small editions and in specialty stores.
- By lowering the price and removing sales barriers, art books flew off the shelves and reached a broader audience.
Tom of Finland Book Controversy
- Taschen published the first book on Tom of Finland in 1987, an artist famous for bold homoerotic imagery, though he himself is not gay.
- He believed such art deserved to coexist alongside classics like Van Gogh, breaking old hierarchies that dictated artistic canons.
