"The straight line is godless" - Hundertwasser

Friedensreich Hundertwasser: born as 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 life’s work of this prolific creator is brought together for the first time in this limited edition of 10,000 books. Hundertwasser began to number and catalog his work in 1954 and had completed the task for his entire œuvre, including short histories to 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 Raisonné is an exquisite work of art.

Volume I contains 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 œuvre, adhering to his precise numbering and information system, his architecture as well as everything he ever produced, from postage stamps to license plates, architecture, and applied art.

This is the testament to Hundertwasser’s work the way he wanted it. Because the book’s detailed concept, design, and text were finished by him before his death, it now speaks for him, breathing life into his work.

The 'Catalogue Raisonné' is not a posthumous tribute but a living legacy.

Collector's edition, with a colour etching (individually numbered and with the Hundertwasser estate stamp), especially created for this book edition, limited to 10.000 copies worldwide.