Hundertwasser

Born Friedrich Stowasser in Vienna in 1928, the artist who became known as Friedrich Hundertwasser worked as a painter, philosopher and architect until his death in New Zealand in 2000. In a manifesto dated January 24, 1990, he called himself an "architecture doctor." Driven by a deep affection for the natural world, he helped pioneer a humanist, environmentally minded approach to building that sought to bring creativity and ecology together.

His buildings are organic and inventive, but his thinking went further. Across his eco-artistic manifestos and his visual output, which included paintings, posters, postage stamps and flags, his ecological message comes through strongly and personally. The paintings are known for their dense, flowing forms and vivid color, and they convey an optimism that runs throughout his work.

This volume brings together, for the first time, Pierre Restany's critical study of Hundertwasser's work and a selection of texts by the artist himself. Together they offer a broad overview of the life, ideas and art of this prolific creator.