Friedensreich Regentag Dunkelbunt Hundertwasser is his full name. In English it translates as, “Peace-Kingdom, Rainy-Day, multi-colored, Hundred-Water, a mouthful in any language. His real name was Friedrich Stowasser, but today the Austrian painter, architect and environmentalist is known the world over as simply Hundertwasser (100-H2O in shorthand).
Hundertwasser gained his first artistic success with his bold multi-colored paintings. He was inspired by Egon Schiele, but his works are most often compared to another Austrian great, Gustav Klimt. This Vienna iconoclast went from painting to designing stamps, flags and clothing. Eventually, he became an unorthodox architect building his biomorphic creations, which are strangely reminiscent to a Gaudi building. As an architect Hundertwasser was able to stir up more controversy than in any of his other endeavors. This was done in cleverly worded manifestos on such unusual subject matters, as window rights or the tyranny of straight lines.
In 1989 he began an architectural enterprise that would today become the KunstHausWien and eventually house many of his works of art and also showcase his radical architectural philosophy. Today, the place is open to the public and it also has an exhibition space on the upper floors devoted to traveling shows of other artists, who show some similarity with their work. It is located just down the street from Hundertwasser Haus, a public housing project also designed by the artist. You will find these unique buildings just south of the old city along the Danube canal. People still live in the public housing building, so it must be viewed from the outside, but a walk through the Vienna art house (KunstHausWien) is an architectural experience all in itself.
Here one can experience first hand some of Hunderwasser’s most intriguing architectural ideas. He believed that “it is good to walk on uneven floors”. This unique idea can be experienced throughout the building. “Window racism” is another issue the architect raised. Why should all the windows be the same in one particular building? This was a question that was raised many times and always answered by a kaleidoscope of different openings. It is also plenty evident within the structure that Hundertwasser abhorred a straight line. Probably the one idea of his that has taken root among modern architects is the concept of “tree tenants. Like in most of his buildings, you will find a crown of greenery to anoint the roof of his structure.
After touring the art space, one should stop by the café for a meal or even just a drink. Again the artist’s hand will be visible all around you. And on your way back to central Vienna , you just might want to visit the Museum of Art Fakes. Yes, such a place does exist. It is right down the street from the art house. Don’t consider it to be a critique on Hundertwasser, for it is also a one of a kind museum.
Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedensreich_Hundertwasser
http://www.kunsthauswien.com/english/hundertwasser.htm
http://www.faelschermuseum.com/index_english.htm
