675 Kingdom of the Toro 1968

Friedensreich Hundertwasser created “675 Kingdom of the Toro” using mixed media, some time before his death in 2000. Hundertwasser was known for his colorful and eccentric art, and his architectural designs emphasized living in harmony with nature. This piece invites us into a vibrant, imagined world, where faces, patterns, and architecture merge. The faces, with their distinct features and expressions, might evoke questions about identity and representation. Hundertwasser’s personal philosophy saw parallels between the individual and the organic, stating that, "The straight line leads to the downfall of mankind.” His Austrian heritage also contributed to his worldview, as he was one of few Jewish students to survive the second World War. The Kingdom of Toro’s design and the faces, reflect Hundertwasser’s interest in non-Western cultures and his advocacy for individualism. The bright colors and organic forms encourage us to embrace the beauty of diversity and question rigid structures, both in art and society.