WOLFLI, ADOLF - The Heavenly Ladder

Subtitled: Analysis Of The Musical Cryptograms. Belgian composer Baudouin de Jaer was completely moved by the artistic and human dimensions of the mystery surrounding the gigantic and universal body of work created by Adolf Wolfli within the Waldau hospital in the early 20th century. He managed what none other had accomplished before: to decode Woflis hermetic and emblematic scores. Adolf Wolfli (Bern, February 29, 1864 - Waldau, November 6, 1930) was a Swiss artist who was one of the first artists to be associated with the Art Brut or outsider art label. Wolfli was abused both physically and sexually as a child, and was orphaned at the age of 10. Institutionalized in 1895 at Waldau psychiatric asylum near Bern (Switzerland) where he spent the rest of his adult life, he suffered from psychosis, which led to intense hallucinations. Wolfli started drawing in 1899, but no work prior to 1904 has been preserved. In 1908, Wolfli started developing what would become a potentially endless narrative stretched across 25,000 pages interrupted only by Wolflis death in 1930. His images also incorporated an idiosyncratic musical notation. This notation seemed to start as a purely decorative affair but later developed into real composition which Wolfli would play on a paper trumpet. After his death, the Adolf Wofli Foundation was formed to preserve his art for future generations. Today its collection is on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Bern and can be seen in many museums in the world. Baudouin de Jaers approach gives a new dimension to this unique artist. Interpretation/composition from Wolflis works and violin: Baudouin de Jaer. Contains only previously-unreleased material. All tracks exclusively recorded for this project. Includes a full-color 52-page book in French and English. Book size: 136 x 187 x 10 mm (5.35 x 7.36 x 0.40 inches). - Sub Rosa.