ART BASEL UNLIMITED 2025 Booth U8, Hall, 1.0
Preview Days June 16 – 18
Public Days June 19 – 22

‘From the beginning of his artistic activity, Franz West questioned the view that art objects can merely be understood in a reflective manner. Even with his earliest sculptural works, called Passstücke (Adaptives), the viewer was to be actively involved in the process of experiencing art as an equal counterpart. The Adaptives were to be taken off their pedestals and “used” – only then would the sculptures achieve their purpose and be completed. West was interested in the idea that the interaction with the viewer takes place on a mental level. The works can be suggestions for reflections, which the artist often encouraged in the form of titles and texts. The outdoor sculptures should also be seen in this context. With the choice of bright, strong colors, he deliberately contrasted the objects with nature and urban space.’

– Ines Turian

Franz West (born 1947 in Vienna; died 2012 in Vienna) began his artistic work in the 1970s with sculpture, drawing, and collage. In the 1970s he also created his so-called Adaptives – sculptures with the offer to be taken off their pedestals, be used, and interacted with by exhibition visitors. His later spectrum expanded to include furniture sculptures and outdoor works.

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