GASTRÄUME 2019 - PUBLIC ART IN ZURICH

In collaboration with widmertheodoridis gallery

Tessinerplatz, Zurich (CH)

Opening on June 7, 2019, 6 pm
Exhibition: June 8 to September 1, 2019

 

The working group “Art in Public Space" of the City of Zurich (AG KiöR) aims to promote an active approach to works of art in public space. For this reason, from June to September KiöR provides different spaces for a temporary display of art. For the seventh time, this year's exhibition in Zurich's inner city and in Zurich West will show art projects and special guests at ten "guest rooms".

 

Nicolas Vionnet
Raubzeug
In collaboration with widmertheodoridis, Eschlikon
Tessinerplatz, Bahnhof Enge, 8002 Zurich

 

Between the trees in the pre-existing green zones at Tessinerplatz, Nicolas Vionnet has placed a hunter’s stand made of roundwood, corrugated metal and structural steel. Human sounds are heard coming from the stand at irregular intervals: whistling, calling and laughing. Vionnet has a back-ground in painting. To date, his works in the public space have addressed
the ostensible contradictions between the history and artificiality of locations, thematising the relationship between nature and civilisation. The same is true at Tessinerplatz. The title Raubzeug is a hunting term, referring to all animals that do not count as game themselves, but kill or harm actual game.

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Inspired by T. C. Boyle’s story Wild Child, Vionnet sheds light on the relationship between nature and civilisation with this installation. What makes humans human? What role does upbringing play in this regard? How much nature still remains in the modern human? According to Jean- Jacques Rousseau, it would be best to leave child-rearing to nature. Such ideal conditions, which bring humans close to animals, are highly fascinating for those tired of civilisation. Films like Into the Wild by Sean Penn pick up on this strong drive for primordialness and truth. The real challenge for many modern humans resides in nature and in the confrontation with the forces of nature. Temporary escapists see survival in the wild as the supreme discipline. For peoples who live close to nature, it is everyday life, not a sport.

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Thus, in times when foxes and boars are reclaiming our inner cities, the passers-by between trains, trams and cars will ask themselves who could be hunting whom here – an interesting mind game, presented in a succinct form.

 

The work Raubzeug was realized with the kind support of
Brunner Holz Ideen GmbH, St.Peterzell
Ingenieurbüro C. Röthenmund, Therwil

 

Further information can be found at

www.stadt-zuerich.ch/gastraeume

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Download the exhibition catalogue here