101 is a Viennese agency for coding and design with an impressive roster of clients under the belt (previously here). Known for their innovative and high-quality work, 101 offers clients a holistic range of services, from conception to implementation. With an unmentionable number of awards and honorable mentions, 101 creates smart, fresh design with crisp execution and functioning concept. Understanding the needs of the client and the true purpose of the task at hand, function seems to be at the core of their last project: MANFRED WAKOLBINGER: Inhale – Exhale. Sculptures, photographic works, installations, videos 2012–2019, a publication showcasing the latest works by photographer and sculptor Manfred Wakolbinger.
Manfred Wakolbinger’s photography and large-format sculptures are distinctively organic and convey inner poetry
Austrian artist Manfred Wakolbinger has been working with photography, film and video, sculpture and public space since the early 1980s. Having trained in metalworking and toolmaking before turning to art, Wakolbinger masterfully sculps organic forms and figures out of heavy materials.
He began working on a series of voluminous sculptures for public spaces in 2012, including the installation “Gate and Bench” with two sculptures in St. Pölten, a 10-meter sculpture “Cloud” in Wiener Neustadt, “Chat” in the Rasumovsky Palace, “Voyage” in Neunkirchen, as well as “Inhale” and “Exhale” in the ARTBOX in the Museumsquartier in Vienna, among others. Simultaneously, the submarine world captured the artists’ interest, resulting in a beautiful series of underwater photography and video. Wakolbinger’s art is distinctively organic and conveys inner poetry while remaining enigmatic, even when becoming concrete and figurative.
Inhale – Exhale artist bo0k showcases the latest work of the artist
Now a selection of Wakolbinger’s works in photography and sculpture are gathered together in a 184-page publication MANFRED WAKOLBINGER: Inhale – Exhale. Sculptures, photographic works, installations, videos 2012–2019 published by Scheidegger & Spiess, the leading Swiss publisher in the fields of art, photography, and architecture.
The book showcases the artist’s latest work, as well as a conversation between Wakolbinger and art historian and curator for modern and contemporary art at the Kunsthistorisches Museum Vienna, Jasper Sharp. Also, an essay on the topic of language in his art by scholar and critic Cornelia Offergeld and a text by celebrated Austrian novelist Christoph Ransmayr, describing and interpreting the recent oeuvre by one of Austria’s most distinguished contemporary artists, is included.
Besides Wakolbinger’s work, the publication itself is beautiful and masterfully printed. Minimalist in style, only the necessities, and elements supporting the artist’s work is included. Designed by 101, we asked a few questions about the concept, process, and material choices behind the publication.
Inside we used the Munken Kristall rough. The paper had to be uncoated and in high white. There was no need to choose different kinds of papers. The book should look as made of one piece – homogeneously – rough uncoated paper inside and outside.
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You’ve mentioned that “a good concept is everything”. What can you tell us about the concept of Inhale – Exhale?
In his book, Manfred Wakolbinger shows a wide range of his artworks, from underwater pictures and animations to sculptures. The design acts in the background, it is clear and simple, there to highlight the content. The layout provides a spacious setting to bring different kinds of artworks together.
What was your experience working on the Manfred Wakolbinger book?
We worked closely together with Manfred Wakolbinger, over a month we had almost a weekly meeting. Together we tried to dismiss all unnecessary or overdesigned elements. And it’s always great having Eva Gutmann from Scheidegger & Spiess and the Lectorar Claudia Mazanek beside with precious inputs. Of course, there were many steps to get where we ended.
Which paper(s) are used and why did you choose them? How did they speak to you?
Inside we used the Munken Kristall Rough. The paper had to be uncoated and in high white. There was no need to choose different kinds of papers. The book should look as made of one piece – homogeneously – rough uncoated paper inside and outside. Munken paper is exclusively available at Europapier. The book is offset printed in Austria.
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