Erwin Wurm is an internationally acclaimed artist known for radically expanding the concept of sculpture. Over the course of his career, Wurm has continually challenged the boundaries of form, time, and space—exploring the intersection of performance, object, and the everyday. He rose to prominence with his iconic One Minute Sculptures, a series begun in the late 1990s, where participants enact brief, ephemeral poses with everyday objects, blurring the lines between viewer and artwork, action and sculpture. From Fat Cars to anthropomorphized objects, Wurm’s work often uses paradox as an entry point to address deeper philosophical, psychological, and social questions.

While playful on the surface, his practice offers a sharp critique of contemporary life, capitalism, and the absurdities of modern existence. Through both large-scale public works and intimate performances, Wurm invites us to see the ordinary anew—to embrace paradox and explore the complexity beneath the surface of things.

Erwin Wurm, Fat House, 2003.
© Erwin Wurm, Bildrecht Wien, 2025. Photo: Studio Erwin Wurm

A lifetime spent challenging the boundaries of sculpture and performance has taught Erwin Wurm the value of structure, presence, and inner clarity. Guided by intuition and experimentation, his practice embraces slowness, emotion, and physical experience as essential tools for creating meaning and connection.

In this interview, he reflects on the personal rituals—disciplined routines, meditation, literature, and time in nature—that help him maintain creative focus and emotional balance. Offering insight into how the everyday becomes a space for both reflection and resilience, Wurm reminds us that simplicity and structure can be profound creative tools.

AS: What are some self-care practices that you find most benefit your work & creative output?

EW: Reading is essential for me, not just novels but also documentaries and philosophy. It is something I deeply enjoy. I also workout three times a week and meditate, which helps me cultivate mental clarity. I need that space as much as I need air to breathe.

Meditation, in particular, allows me to clear my mind and slow down. By nature, I am an excitable person who tends to fully immerse myself in work. Because of this, I need to set boundaries and actively focus on calming down and slowing my pace. Meditation is a powerful tool in helping me do that.

AS: In what ways do you nurture your mental and emotional health to maintain creativity and inspiration?

EW: Similar to my first answer, I need art, whether it is looking at it, thinking about it, or experiencing it in museums and churches. My wife and I have an apartment in Venice (Italy), and we love spending time there, surrounded by both contemporary and classical art.

Beyond that, literature and an active lifestyle play an important role. This combination of intellectual stimulation and physical movement gives me strength and resilience.

“THE SMALL CHOICES YOU MAKE EVERY DAY SHAPE THE LIFE YOU CREATE.” - Erwin Wurm

AS: What practices or routines do you incorporate into your daily life to support your work while maintaining your creative energy and mental well-being?

EW: I thrive on a disciplined lifestyle. I wake up, eat lunch, and have dinner at the same time every day. Structure is essential for me because it allows me to function and create at my best.

I find that my creativity is most effective when my emotional state is balanced. If I am too happy or too depressed, I struggle to work. I operate best when I am in a steady, neutral frame of mind. I have always been highly sensitive, reacting intensely, both physically and mentally, to political events, nature, and psychological matters. Because of this, I need to regulate my emotions and maintain a sense of centeredness.

This equilibrium is key to my creative process.

Erwin Wurm, Mind Bubble Standing Small (Left), Tall, Grey (Right), Albertina Modern, Vienna, Austria, 2024.
© Erwin Wurm, Bildrecht, 2025. Photo: Rainer Iglar / Salzburg – Vienna

AS: How do you handle setbacks or challenges in your creative endeavours while still prioritizing your well-being?

EW: Over time, I have developed a certain level of resilience. It was not easy, but I have learned to accept that people lead different lives and think differently than I do. I have created both an internal and external safe space that allows me to focus on what I love, making art and spending time with family and friends.

This has been possible through structure and conscious decision-making, sometimes involving difficult choices. It might sound complicated, but to me, it is simple. I stay committed to what I love, and because of that, it no longer feels like an obligation. It is just my way of life.

AS: What specific environment or settings do you find especially conducive to both self-care and creative inspiration?

EW: I was fortunate enough to create an environment that brings me joy. I work in the countryside, surrounded by a pond, sheep, and nature, which is wonderful. We also have a home in Greece on the island of Hydra, where we spend summers, and our apartment in Venice, which provides profound inspiration.

These places keep my mind in a good space. Together with reading, exercise, and intellectual exchanges, they form the ideal environment for me. I created what I needed, and I feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to shape this kind of life. It is a true gift.

I also believe that the societal circumstances we live in have a profound impact on our well-being. I was lucky to grow up in a peaceful time in Europe, and I hope this continues. Being able to support one another, care for nature, and live in freedom is essential. There are many challenges in the world today, and I truly hope things get better for future generations.

Erwin Wurm, School, 2024.
© Erwin Wurm, Bildrecht, 2025. Photo: Rainer Iglar / Salzburg – Vienna

AS: Best self-care advice you have received?

EW: It might sound ridiculous, but “get up and make your bed.” A simple ritual like that provides structure and sets the tone for the day.

Another important piece of advice is to laugh and enjoy life. Do not convince yourself that you are incapable of creating the life you want. If you work hard and make the right decisions, things have a way of coming together.

Erwin Wurm's portrait photo by Lottermann und Fuentes. © Erwin Wurm, Bildrecht Wien, 2025.

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