West began formal art studies at 26 years old at the Academy of Applied Arts in Vienna 1977-1982. Exposed to the Viennese Actionists in the 1960s and 1970s, West embraced an active relationship between art and the viewer. In the 1970s, he began producing small, portable, mixed media sculptures called Passtücke or Adaptives.These objects are intended to be held, carried, or worn by the viewer. He also created monumental public sculptures in welded and painted metal, and metal furniture. West was awarded the Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement at the 54th Venice Biennale in 2011.
