Gustav Metzger, who was born in Nuremberg in 1926, has had a pointedly radical and revolutionary approach to art since the early sixties. His artistic production is firmly rooted in current political, economic, and ecological topics; in his manifestos and demonstrations, for example, Metzger reacts to the threat posed by the global nuclear arms race. His aesthetic concept of auto-destructive art, which addresses the destructive potential of the twentieth century, was intended as an attack on the capitalist system and the art industry. This monograph is the first to provide a comprehensive overview of Metzger's career, also taking into account more recent works such as his series Historic Photographs, which are closely linked to Metzger's experience as a survivor of the Holocaust. A detailed chronology presents the artist's activity in the context of historical and political developments, honoring Metzger for the first time not just as an artist, but also as an activist. (English edition ISBN 978-3-7757-1650-5) Exhibition schedule: Generali Foundation, Vienna, April 11-August 28, 2005