Those who entered the exhibition spaces of the Monnaie de Paris in this spring would have surely held their breath. Jannis Kounellis (*1936 in Piraeus), cofounder and one of the most important representatives of Arte Povera, designed a completely new, open work of art for the venerable halls of the Monnaie de Paris, the French Mint. As is the case for all of his works, for Kounellis what comes into play first is space, followed by the idea for filling it. Thus the catalogue as well as the exhibition consummate the development of his oeuvre on the basis of each of the spaces in which this vibrant art takes shape. Exhibition: Monnaie de Paris 11.3.–1.5.2016

The ultimate monograph on one of the most important artists of the twentieth century - a key figure in Arte Povera

This book is the final, most comprehensive book ever made by Greek-born Jannis Kounellis, one of the key artists in the Arte Povera movement. Following his breakthrough in the late 1960s in Rome, when he questioned the traditionally sterile environment of the gallery by exhibiting live animals within its walls, Kounellis went on to include diverse materials in his work, including fire, earth, gold, wood, and charcoal, quickly establishing himself as one of the most innovative sculptors of our time.

Writings by the artist and a collection of tributes from people who have known and worked with him over the years, such as Pierre Audi, David Hammons, Gloria Moure, Giulio Paolini, Vassili Vassilikos, and many others, are included.

Jannis Kounellis is the latest addition to the acclaimed Phaidon Contemporary Artists Series.