"Painter, sculptor, house builder, designer, explorer, philanthropist, bon vivant -- the Swiss artist Not Vital sees the universe in his own singular and most elegant way."
-Andrew O'Hagan, New York Times Style Magazine
Not Vital (born 1948) is widely considered one of the most radical voices in the world of contemporary sculpture. This monograph aims to provide an overview of his remarkable five-decades-long career, serving as an indispensable reference point for those who want to learn about the artist's sculptural and architectural practices.
The volume begins with a thematic analysis of Vital's work, delineating five key components (Transformation; Dreams, Experiences and Identity; Humor; Nature, Animals and Folklore; Materiality and Sculptural-ness). Ten chapters follow, all of which are titled after the different places in which Vital has lived and worked throughout his lifetime. The largest portion of the book consists of a chronological, descriptive catalog of 455 sculptures and related artworks. This central section is accompanied by a generous selection of Vital's previously unpublished drawings and writings, as well as archival photographs and technical drawings.