Wolfgang Laib

Wolfgang LaibWolfgang Laib lives and works closely with the cycles of nature. His works are composed of natural materials that he collects and processes himself. In 1975, Wolfgang Laib created his first milk stone, in 1977, he started sifting pollen into "color miracles," brightly colored fields of pollen, or piling it into small "unsurmountable mountains"; in 1983, he began incorporating rice into his works; and in 1987, beeswax became a signature working

Wolfgang Laib lives and works closely with the cycles of nature. His works are composed of natural materials that he collects and processes himself. In 1975, Wolfgang Laib created his first milk stone, in 1977, he started sifting pollen into "color miracles," brightly colored fields of pollen, or piling it into small "unsurmountable mountains"; in 1983, he began incorporating rice into his works; and in 1987, beeswax became a signature working material. Both sensual and fragile, his works project aesthetic as well as natural aspects of the transitory nature of our surroundings. Texts by Klaus Ottmann and Margit Rowell, a conversation between the artist and Harald Szeemann and an illustrated biography make for the most comprehensive study of Wolfgang Laib´s art and philosophy. The artist: Wolfgang Laib, born 1950 in Metzingen. Laib is completely self- taught and has never formally studied art. After studying medicine and passing the state examination he decided not to become a doctor, but to concentrate on sculpture. Numerous exhibitions in Germany and abroad, including participation in the documenta 7 and 8 in Kassel and the Venice Biennale in 1983 and 1997. Lives and works in southern Germany.