Friedensreich Hundertwasser Columbus Rainy Day in India framed

Friedrich Stowasser, later known as Friedensreich Hundertwasser, was born in Vienna on December 15, 1928. He grew up mainly under the care of his mother after his father died early. Even as a child, he showed a talent for drawing, often drawing inspiration from Viennese buildings and the surrounding landscape. His artistic collection included numerous drawings and watercolors. After the end of World War II, he studied at the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, where he began signing his artworks under various names such as Regentag, Dunkelbunt and Hundertwasser. "Hundertwasser" became his best-known pseudonym. Despite his short time at the academy, which he soon left to travel to Italy, this signature remained a trademark of his work.

In the following years, Hundertwasser traveled around the world with his friend and colleague Rene Bro, drawing inspiration from the cultures and landscapes of many exotic places. The Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí, known for his organic and rounded forms, also influenced Hundertwasser's art. His works are characterized by bright colors, intense blues and reds, and characteristic spiral motifs.

In addition to his painting, Hundertwasser was also a strong advocate for humane architecture and new living concepts. In the late 1950s, he formulated the "Mold Manifesto against Rationalism in Architecture," which spoke out against straight lines and standardized building plans. Residential buildings were a central part of his philosophy, in which he assumed that people have several "skins" - their own skin, clothing, home, and later also the social and global environment. In his architectural projects, he placed great emphasis on the integration of natural elements, especially green roofs.

Hundertwasser died on February 19, 2000 at the age of 71. His extensive artistic legacy includes paintings, stamps, lithographs, book illustrations, sculptures and architectural works.