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The Austrian sculptor died in February in Vienna at the age of 73. He was recognized as one of the most important contemporary Austrian artists. He is renowned both for his monumental sculptures and gigantic figures reminiscent on science fiction creatures. His objects of steel and aluminium, plaster and wood, and earlier of polyester, combine form and figures to create alien formations which he regarded as daydreams or a safe room. In his work, he made the ordinary into his obsession.

Born in 1936 in Villach, Gioroncoli from Carinthia studied painting with Eduard Bäumer. Fascinated by Alberto Giacometti, he turned to sculpture in the 1960s. In 1977, he took over Fritz Wotruba?s sculpture class, which he directed until 2004. He influenced artists such as Franz West. Internationally, his recognition stemmed particularly from the Biennale in Venice in 2003.