Life In Progress

Life in Progress by Hans Ulrich Obrist is a vivid memoir of creativity and curiosity from one of the contemporary art world’s most influential curators. It begins with a childhood accident that kept Obrist in hospital for weeks, where art became both comfort and catalyst—setting him on a remarkable path towards artists, ideas and making exhibitions happen.

As he recovers and grows, Obrist starts travelling alone on overnight trains to visit artists in their studios across Europe, learns by asking fearless questions, and stages his first exhibition at home in Zurich. Along the way, we glimpse the behind-the-scenes rhythms of curating, the intensity of artistic friendship, and the moments that shaped his way of looking—right down to writing hundreds of postcards while snowed in by an avalanche.

Perfect for readers who love art history, cultural biography, and thoughtful coming-of-age stories, especially anyone drawn to Europe-set literary nonfiction.

Step into Obrist’s life and see how art can expand a world.