Capitain studied philosophy and sociology and worked as a teacher before a chance meeting with Martin Kippenberger in the 1970s saw her switch to a career in galleries, opening Kippenberger’s Office in Berlin with the artist in 1978 before launching her own gallery in Cologne. Though a historic, established presence in the city (she now represents the late Kippenberger’s estate), she is known for a strong selection of artists that span several generations, media and style: from Seth Price to Karla Black, from Monika Sosnowska to Albert Oehlen. This year she represented two of the Deutsche Börse nominees: Christopher Williams and John Stezaker (the eventual winner), and a Turner Prize nominee, Luke Fowler. Her artists also benefit from Capitain Petzel, gallery space that she shares with Friedrich Petzel in Berlin.