Hundertwasser 1928-2000, Catalogue Raisonne, 2 Vols., English ed.: Collectors Edition (Taschen double jumbo series) [Special Edition] [Gebundene Ausgabe]

A sumptuous visual pleasure, Catalogue Raisonne compiles the entire oeuvre of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Divided into two volumes and packaged in a handsome cloth and velvet slipcase, the set comes with a limited-edition lithograph stamped by the artist's estate; the whole presentation is a work of art in its own right. Volume one provides an in-depth biography of the artist by Wieland Schmied, an art historian and friend of the subject. Weiland considers such high points as Hundertwasser's year-long quest to create a single tapestry without a pattern, his "speeches in the nude," and his abiding environmentally conscious aesthetic. Hundertwasser's love of ecology was naturally reflected in his paintings and tapestries, which are permeated by strings and whorls of vibrant colors, organic forms and nary a straight line. He carried the visions he conveyed on canvas into architecture, designing amorphous, delightful buildings that come as close to Dr. Seuss as physics allow. Volume two is a sometimes overwhelming compendium of his life's work—painting by painting, sketch by sketch. Hundertwasser oversaw the production of Taschen's grand tribute, and his influence can be felt in the layout and text of the volumes. He died shortly after his work on the Catalogue Raisonne was completed, aboard the Queen Mary II. While not necessarily intended as such, the set is a loving final tribute to the artist. -- Ryan Boudinot

The Catalogue Raisonniis not a posthumous tribute, but a living legacy Friedensreich Hundertwasser: born Friedrich Stowasser, he lived and died as Friedensreich (meaning "realm of peace") Hundertwasser - a name he chose for himself. Architect, ecologist, painter, designer, writer, innovator ... his list of talents goes on and on. Hundertwasser reinvented the art of living as an artist 24 hours a day. <P>The lifework ofthis prolific creator is brought together for the first time in this limited edition of 10,000 copies. Hundertwasser began to number and catalogue his work in 1954 and had completed the task for his entire oeuvre, including short historiesto accompany each work, before his untimely death in February 2000. He worked closely with TASCHEN on this project, designing the layout and the book itself: with rounded edges and a cover with colored velvet on black linen, the Catalogue Raisonni is an exquisite work of art. <P>Volume I contains a text by Wieland Schmied, a celebrated art historian and a longtime personal friend of Hundertwasser, with selected paintings, architectural works, projects, and manifestos. Volume II comprises Hundertwasser's entire painted oeuvre, adhering to his precise numbering and information system, his architecture as well as everything else he ever produced, from postage stamps to license plates, architecture, and applied art. <P>This is a testament to Hundertwasser's work the way he wanted it. Because the book's detailed concept, design, and text were completed by the artist before his death, this book now speaks for him, breathing life into his work. <P>**Limited edition for collectors: Only 10,000 copies worldwide** <P>Specifications: Thisedition,the last book created by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, includes: <P> Twovolumes in a slip case designed by Hundertwasser, lavishly printed in ten colors on rounded, black-edged pages <P>Hundertwasser's original layout design <P>1,792pages and about 1,900 illustrations, d

The life and work of Friedensreich Hendertwasser is brought together in this limited edition. Hundertwasser began to number and catalogue his works in 1954, completing his entire oeuvre before his death in February 2000. Each book is individuallly numbered and stamped by the Hundertwasser estate. Volume I contains text by Wieland Schmied, a long-time personal friend of Hundertwasser. Volume II comprises Hundertwasser's entire painted oeuvre, everything he ever produced, from postage stamps to architecture.

Friedensreich Hundertwasser wurde am 15. Dezember 1928 in Wien als Fritz Stowasser geboren. Den Künstlernamen ("Sto" bedeutet in einigen slawischen Sprachen "hundert") legte er sich 1949 zu. 1948 verbrachte er drei Monate an der Wiener Kunstakademie bei Prof. Robin Christian Andersen. Ausgedehnte Studienreisen führten Hundertwasser von 1949 bis 1951 nach Paris, Marrakesch, Tanger, Tunis, Italien und Spanien. Von 1983 bis 1986 entstand im Wiener 3. Bezirk das berühmte "Hundertwasser-Haus". Ab 1990 arbeitete er unter anderem an folgenden Architektur-Projekten: "KunstHausWien", "Raststätte Bad Fischau", "AGIP-Tankstelle Wien", "Fernwärmewerk Spittelau", "Einkaufszentrum Village, Wien", "Textilfabrik Muntlix", "Rogner-Bad Blumau" sowie an der Umgestaltung des "Martin-Luther-Gymnasiums" in Wittenberg. Friedensreich Hundertwasser starb am 19. Februar 2000. Für seine goldenen Zwiebeltürme, strahlenden Mosaiken und leuchtenden Spiralen von einem Millionenpublikum geliebt, von Kunstkritikern als "Behübscher" und "Zuckerbäckerarchitekt" belächelt, löste der Kunstmaler, Architekt und Zivilisationskritiker Kontroversen aus.Wieland Schmied war bis 1973 Direktor der Kestner-Gesellschaft Hannover und bis 1975 Hauptkustos der Nationalgalerie Berlin; 1978-86 Direktor des DAAD und 1986-94 Professor für Kunstgeschichte an der Akademie der bildenden Künste in München. Seit 1995 Präsident der Bayerischen Akademie der Schönen Künste. Zahlreiche Publikationen zur Kunst des 19. und 20. Jahrhunderts. 1992 erhielt er den Österreichischen Staatspreis für Kulturpublizistik.