Bern – Adolf Wölfli
Feb 1 sees the start of an exhibition of Adolf Wölfli’s works. Or as the official view goes, hs personal and obsessive view of the universe.
Wölfli was born in 1864, and died in 1930 and I think it’s safe to say he was not happy with his life. Not his real life anyway.
His imaginary life, which he put down in 45 volumes totalling 25,000 pages (which seems like a lot to me) enabled him to get round his problems which included (but not limited to):
- childhood abuse
- molestation
- unhappy career in the army
- working as a farm labourer
- being orphaned
- mental illness
- violent tantrums
He evolved in his imagination as firstly a Knight, then an Emporer and finally a Saint. Why not?
In psychiatric hospital he was rationed to the amount of paper he was allowed, and begged for paper from his fellow inmates. Consequently he filled each piece to the edges so as not to waste any.
His work has inspired both artists and composers, and is considered one of Switzerland’s most important artists.
The exhibition runs until Sun May 18.
I must admit I’m intrigued.
Kunstmuseum Bern
Hodlerstrasse 8-12
3000 Bern 7
Phone: +41 (0)31 328 09 44
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