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Artworks
Adolf WölfliNew Yorker Haven, 1925Colored pencil and graphite on paper27 x 20 in. (68.6 x 50.8 cm)(WO 13)Adolf Wolfli (1864-1930)
Outsider artist Adolf Wolflï, was born in Bern, Switzerland in 1864. From a young age, Wölfli’s life was filled with challenges. After being orphaned at age 10, Wölfli became a part of the state foster system through which he suffered consistent physical and sexual abuse. He worked briefly as a farm hand before being diagnosed with psychosis, and was soon moved to the Waldua Clinic where he spent the rest of his life.
In the clinic, Wölfli’s life took a turn for the better. He began to write and illustrate obsessively, creating a range of works, both small and large, characterized by their wide color palette, intricate patterning, and hidden symbols. Wölfli’s work soon caught the attention of psychiatrist Dr. Walter Morganthaler, who recognized the talent beyond Wölfli’s illness. In 1921, Morganthaler published a study of Wölfli’s work entitled A Mental Patient as Artist, through which he hoped to establish a greater dialogue about the intersection of psychology and artistic practice. Wölfli continued to work until his death, eventually producing a magnum opus of 2,500 works, and several “autobiographical” books which captured elements of his early life, propensity for fiction, diverse artistic capabilities, and musical fascination. A truly compelling figure in outsider art, discoveries are still being made about Wölfli today, and his work continues to be celebrated worldwide.1of 2
