Born in Brussels to German parents, Carsten Höller originally trained as a scientist, earning a doctorate in agricultural science with a focus on the olfactory communication of insects. He transitioned into the art world in the 1990s, gaining prominence for works that challenged the traditional relationship between the viewer and the museum space.

His practice is characterized by the use of industrial materials and participatory elements, such as his signature spiral slides installed in major institutions worldwide. These works are designed to provoke physical and psychological responses, often blurring the line between play and clinical observation.

Höller continues to exhibit internationally, maintaining a studio practice that bridges the gap between conceptual art and experiential design. His projects often invite the public to engage directly with the architecture of the exhibition space, turning passive observation into an active, often playful, physical experience.