Signa Köstler

Signa Köstler (née Sørensen) was born in Århus in 1975. After graduating from the University of Copenhagen with a dual degree in Art History / Film & Media Studies, Sørensen began to experiment with installation as a medium, initially financing her work by taking employment as a champagne girl in nightclubs. As stated in various interviews, the experiences and environment of the profession inspired, and crucially influenced, her future body of work. Testing the limits of proximity and intimacy, Sørensen began placing herself within the installations and among the audience. Often controversial in theme and radical in form, her performances won her praise as one of Europe’s leading performance artists and directors. In 2004, Arthur Köstler joined her, and together they founded the performance collective SIGNA.
Signa Köstler has received numerous distinctions throughout her career, including the Lifetime Honorary Grant from the Danish Arts Council (2025), the Aksel og Marta Fuhr Legat (2025), the Faust Preis for Best Set Design (2024) for Das 13. Jahr, participation in the Berliner Theatertreffen (2023) for Die Ruhe and previously in 2008 for Die Erscheinungen der Martha Rubin, the Reumert Prize (2018) for Det Åbne Hjerte, the Nestroy Preis (2016) for Wir Hunde, the Rolf Mares Preis for Best Set Design (2015) for Söhne & Söhne, and the Bisballeprisen (2005). The Danish Arts Council has been a continued source of support for her performances through several grants and scholarships throughout her career. Signa is married to Arthur Köstler, and they live in Copenhagen.

Further Information: www.signa.dk