Catalogue Raisonne Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Taschen Double Jumbo Series) (English and German Edition) [Box set] [Hardcover]

Wieland Schmied (Author)

Book Description

Series: Taschen Double Jumbo Series | Publication Date: January 31, 2003

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.

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.

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.

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.

**Limited edition for collectors: Only 10,000 copies worldwide**

Specifications: Thisedition,the last book created by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, includes:

Twovolumes in a slip case designed by Hundertwasser, lavishly printed in ten colors on rounded, black-edged pages

Hundertwasser's original layout design

1,792pages and about 1,900 illustrations, documenting Hundertwasser's life and oeuvre from 1928 to 2000, with many personal notes and comments by the artist

An original 24 x 20 cm color etching (9 3/8 x 7 7/8 inches), specially created for this edition, numbered and marked with the Hundertwasser estate stampe

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Wieland Schmied is an art critic and essayist. He was director of the Kestner Gesellschaft in Hanover, where he organized the first big Hundertwasser retrospective in 1964, with an accompanying catalogue raisonné. From 1974 to 1975 Wieland Schmied was chief curator at the Berliner Nationalgalerie, from 1978 to 1986 the director of the German Artist Exchange Program (DAAD), Berlin and afterwards director of the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. He is currently President of the Bavarian Academy of Fine Arts, Munich.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1792 pages
• Publisher: Taschen; Limited edition edition (January 31, 2003)
• Language: English, German
• ISBN-10: 3822862207
• ISBN-13: 978-3822862209
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 11.1 x 5.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,307,367 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Hundestwasser art book, May 28, 2010

By 

J. Gayford "oceanart" (Toronto) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Catalogue Raisonne Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Taschen Double Jumbo Series) (English and German Edition) (Hardcover)

THe book was exactly as described, packaged properly so it arrived on time with no damage

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reference, March 15, 2003

By 

AR Callo (Palm Springs, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Catalogue Raisonne Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Taschen Double Jumbo Series) (English and German Edition) (Hardcover)

What an outstanding publication! Pricy, but well worth the expense! An essential reference on the works of Hundertwasser, complete, detailed, all beautifully presented. OUTSTANDING Collector's item. A MUST for any collector or lover of the works of Hundertwasser!

2 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Worth the wait, March 25, 2003

By 

Mr. David S. Stone "Cryptic Ned" (Townsville, Qld Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Catalogue Raisonne Friedensreich Hundertwasser (Taschen Double Jumbo Series) (English and German Edition) (Hardcover)

A must-have for all Hundertwasser enthusiasts. I ordered mine mid 2001, so escaped the price rise - it helped ease the financial pain, but I'd buy it anyway. It's not what I expected - lots of glossy prints, though there are plenty - but the catalog was an eye-opener - I never realised just how broad his ouvre was, and am now chasing other goodies for the collection. The biographical info was very interesting too - it gives a good insight into very creative man.