my wife barbara and my son konstantin asked the most important artists from our collection to contribute an artwork for my sixtieth birthday. with a bit of nudging from my wife, seventy-three artists each sent a work. originally, the contributions were to be compiled in a book, yet it soon became apparent that it had to be a box. their techniques and formats were too diverse. i didn’t have the slightest idea about the whole thing and was taken by complete surprise when an elaborately designed box filled with very personal works by amazing artists was placed upon my birthday table. i can’t thank enough all the participating artists, not to mention the galleries, which supported this. the same goes for my family as well as michael neff, who not only organized everything but also kept it a secret from me for months on end. how best to thank them? by making the book after all, which brings all the works together, and by sending it to all involved, in thanks. this book is now complete – organized and lovingly designed by my son.

axel haubrok