From abstract sculptures and collage to furniture and large-scale works, the work of Austrian artist Franz West (1947–2012) is unrestrainedly irreverent and also profoundly philosophical. His papier-mâché pieces that were intentionally made to be handled explore an immediate relationship between art and audience. Extending this theme, he later created playful pieces that doubled as seats and communal spaces. Throughout his career, West collaborated with numerous artists, musicians, writers, and photographers, many of whom are interviewed in this book.