Friedensreich Hundertwasser, Island of Lost Desire, 1975

Artist: Friedensreich Hundertwasser (1928 - 2000)
Title:Island of Lost Desire, 1975
Reference:Koschatsky 70; Barbican 755A
Medium:Japanese woodcut on Japon paper printed in 19 colors
Image Size:6 7/8 in x 5 3/4 in (17.5 cm x 14.6 cm)
Sheet Size:8 in x 7 in (20.3 cm x 17.8 cm)
Framed Size:25 1/4 in x 24 in (64.1 cm x 61 cm)
Edition:Numbered 362/999 in black ink in the lower center margin (to the left of the signature); part of the signed and numbered book, Hundertwasser’s Japanese Colour Woodcuts 1960 – 1975
Signature:Hand signed by Hundertwasser (Vienna, 1928- RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, 2000)
Condition:In excellent condition with strong bold colors.
ID #w-2425

Historical Description

Created in Tokyo in 1978, this Japanese woodcut is after an original mixed media work by Hundertwasser (Vienna, 1928- RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, 2000) from 1975.  This print was included as part of the signed and numbered book, Hundertwasser’s Japanese Colour Woodcuts 1960 – 1975, printed by M. Uchikawa, Tokyo in 19 colors and published by Gruener Janura, Glarus.

This beautifully vibrant and incredibly colored woodblock Hundertwasser (Vienna, 1928- RMS Queen Elizabeth 2, 2000) print features an astounding array of 19 colors, each visible to the delicate surface of the print.  Each color has been printed and applied with minute detail; the trunk of the tree alone three or four varying shades of brown, grey, marigold, and silver while the tablecloth is an intricate, quilted pattern of blues, teals, magentas, and pinks.  Along the border and margins of the print are the Japanese characters unique to the book from which they came, with the artist’s signature, copyright, and red character stamp along the bottom margin.

Illustrated In:
1.    Barbican Centre for Arts & Conferences (1976/1983). Austria Presents Hundertwasser to the Continents. Gruener Janura AG: Glarus. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 755A on pg. 525 (another example illustrated).  Original mixed media is listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 755 on pg. 266.

2.    Koschatsky, W. & Kertész, J. (1968). Friedensreich Hundertwasser: The complete graphic work, 1951 – 1986. Rizzoli: NY. Listed and illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 70 on pgs. 164-5.

3. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.

About The Framing:
This Hundertwasser art is displayed in a sleek, black and gold frame.  Modern detailing runs the length of the moulding which accentuates Hundertwasser’s symmetry and geometry around the image.  The framing is completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching gold inner fillet.  The work is set behind an archival Plexiglas® cover.