Wolfgang Laib

Wolfgang Laib creates large-scale, process-based installations using natural materials such as milk, pollen, rice, wax and marble. Inspired by teachings of the ancient Taoist philosopher Laozi, Laib’s sculptural compositions employ the basic forms of the cone, the rectangle or the house in order to focus the viewer’s attention on their innate material qualities.

For Yorkshire Sculpture International 2019, Laib created a major new installation for one of The Hepworth Wakefield’s largest galleries. Created entirely with rice and pollen collected by Laib over a number of years from the fields surrounding his home, it explored the concept of purity both in the material he uses and in his meditative working practices of collecting and installing them.

Find out more about the artist by listening to our audio guide

Laib’s work has been exhibited at MoMA (2013), The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo (2003) and he has previously represented Germany at the Venice Biennale (1982). In 2015, Laib was awarded the Praemium Imperiale.