Leantika (1922) by Adolf Wölfli
Description: "Leantika" (1922) by Adolf Wölfli is a vivid and intricate piece from the later period of the artist's prolific career. Created while Wölfli was confined to the Waldau psychiatric hospital in Bern, Switzerland, this work embodies his signature style, combining elements of drawing, text, musical notation, and abstract geometric patterns. The composition of "Leantika" is densely packed with symbols, figures, and ornamental motifs that flow across the page in an elaborate, almost kaleidoscopic arrangement. Wölfli often used bright, contrasting colors like reds, blues, greens, and yellows, creating a sense of vibrancy and movement throughout the work. Central to the piece is a series of swirling shapes and concentric forms that may represent Wölfli’s invented worlds or complex personal narratives.
"Leantika" is part of Wölfli’s vast imaginary universe, where he interweaves fantastical geographies, invented histories, and personal mythologies. His works often include invented names, like "Leantika," which appear to be places or characters within his self-constructed world. This piece reflects Wölfli’s tendency to explore themes of transformation, travel, and the blending of reality and fantasy, using meticulous detail and repetitive patterns. Through his art, Wölfli created expansive narratives that allowed him to express his inner visions, turning his confinement into a realm of boundless creativity.
Adolf Wölfli (1864–1930) is considered one of the pioneers of Art Brut (Outsider Art), a movement that celebrates the works of artists outside the traditional art establishment, particularly those who have experienced mental illness or social marginalization. Wölfli’s drawings, often created on large sheets of paper, are known for their complexity, intensity, and originality. He produced an extensive body of work while institutionalized, including more than 1,600 drawings and 25,000 pages of written text and music.
Details:
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Location and Date Created: Waldau psychiatric hospital, Bern, Switzerland, 1922.
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Medium: Mixed media on paper, including colored pencils, crayons, and graphite.
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Full Artwork Name: Leantika (1922) by Adolf Wölfli.
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Artwork Style: Art Brut (Outsider Art), Abstract.
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Subject/Topic: An abstract and fantastical composition, incorporating invented names, geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs, reflecting Wölfli’s inner world and imaginative landscapes.