Not Vital: Sculpture by Alma Zevi

Cover of Not Vital: Sculpture.

Not Vital, House to Watch the Sunset, 2005. Mud, straw and dung, 13 m (h.), Aladab, Niger. Courtesy of Not Vital Studio.

Not Vital, Tongue, 2010. Stainless steel, 202 x 54 x 51 cm. Courtesy of Not Vital Studio.

Not Vital, Camel, 2018. Installation view, Chastè da Tarasp. Courtesy of Not Vital Studio.

Not Vital, Sled (side view), 2002. Marble, 150 x 30 x 40 cm. Courtesy Not Vital Studio.

Not Vital, Calming Room, 2018. Chastè da Tarasp, Stone-pine wood, 200 x 120 x 1900cm. Courtesy of Not Vital Studio.

Not Vital, Beijing studio, 2009. Courtesy of Not Vital Studio.

Not Vital, New York Loft, early 1980's. Courtesy of Not Vital Studio.

Cover of Not Vital: Sculpture.

Not Vital: Sculpture by Alma Zevi is the first definitive book on Vital's seminal sculptural practice and architectural projects. Drawing on a wide-ranging and descriptive illustrated catalogue of over 450 sculptures and related works, as well as archival material and personal interviews with the artist himself, Zevi invites a discursive and engaged reading of the Swiss artist's work, and provides an enlightening picture of his career to date.

Using a thematic analysis as her starting point, Zevi looks closely at how folklore, nature and identity manifest in Vital's diverse output spanning sculpture, drawing, architecture, printmaking and painting. Zevi brings to life the various chapters of his career, from the prehistoric and animalistic forms Vital became known for in the 1980s, including his Pole Animal, Stone Eater and Cow Dungs; to the iconic works he created in the 2000s, such as his white marble sleds, bronze-cast Tongues, and Antlers that spell out "Fuck You".

The book goes on to explore his nomadic life, with the studio shifting to various international locations. The period from the 2000s onwards marked a significant evolution of the artist, with architecture becoming a pillar of his practice. This is demonstrated by the expansion of his Sculpture Park in the Swiss Alps, as well as monumental works such as his adobe House to Watch the Sunset in Niger, NotOna, a marble island in Patagonia, a Chapel commissioned in the Philippines, and more recent projects in the Brazilian Amazon and Flores, Indonesia. By presenting such a broad selection of his output, Zevi clearly demonstrates why Vital is considered one of the leading and most radical voices in the world of contemporary sculpture.

Not Vital: Sculpture is the culmination of over ten years of friendship and research. Whilst scholarly and deeply researched, the publication also provides an intimate account of the artist's life and work to date. Tracing his practice from Switzerland, New York and Italy, to Niger, China, Latin America and South East Asia, Zevi reveals how Vital's multidimensional work is deeply intertwined with his personal life and the places he has inhabited.

Not Vital: Sculpture by Alma Zevi is published on Thursday June 15, 2023, with an accompanying launch event at Fondation Beyeler, Basel. Not Vital and Alma Zevi will be in conversation with Diana Segantini, as well as doing a book signing. Following this, the book will be celebrated at a number of events and talks in leading museums and institutions.

Pre-order the book now from skira.net.

Skira / Thames & Hudson30 x 35 cm, 468 pages828 colour and b/w illustrationsHardcoverISBN: 978-88-572-4614-7