Wolfgang Laib on Spirituality, Time, and His Florence Exhibition

German artist Wolfgang Laib (born 1950 in Metzingen) discusses his exhibition 'Without Time, Without Place, Without Body' running until January 26 at four historic sites in Florence: Cappella Maggi in Palazzo Medici Riccardi, Cappella Pazzi in Santa Croce, and others. The works dialogue with masterpieces by Beato Angelico, Filippo Brunelleschi, and Leon Battista Alberti. Laib emphasizes the need for a genuine connection with these spaces rather than using them as mere backdrops, a challenge he also faced in a previous exhibition at Sant'Apollinare in Classe in Ravenna. He believes truly important art is timeless and that contemporary art can relate to the past. Laib cites the influence of St. Francis of Assisi and Asian cultures on his use of natural materials like pollen, rice, and wax. He distinguishes his approach from Renaissance creators like Michelangelo, stating his materials are not his creations but gathered and installed. Looking ahead, Laib plans fewer but special projects, including a permanent installation in the Himalayas and a potential exhibition in Siena dialoguing with Duccio di Buoninsegna's paintings. The interview was conducted by Valentina Silvestrini with collaboration from Marta Atzeni.