Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein opens new exhibition Rivane Neuenschwander. Messer does not cut fire (11/12/2021
Kunst Liechtenstein is dedicating the first comprehensive solo exhibition in the German-speaking area to the internationally renowned Brazilian artist Rivane Neuenschwander (* 1967 in Belo Horizonte). Messer does not cut fire presents Neuenschwanders multifaceted oeuvre on the basis of around 50 works, with the focus on her most recent works. Paintings, objects, films, textile works as well as space-consuming installations in which the visitors can participate are shown. The artist has created new works especially for her staff at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, which continue the existing work series.
Rivane Neuenschwander is interested in the social issues of our time, which are repeatedly linked to the traditions of Brazilian culture. Fears and hopes are recurring themes in her work. She experiments in a poetic-sensual way with language, time or the intervention in transformation processes of life and lets the viewer feel the interplay of her work between aesthetic lightness and threatening seriousness.
The title of the exhibition is taken from a poem by the well-known Portuguese poet Herberto Helder (1930-2015) and testifies to Rivane Neuenschwander’s trust in the power of poetry. At the same time, this line has a high social relevance: No knife can open people’s hearts or even erase trouble spots. It is a tool that, directed against people, causes fear.
Protective cloaks against fears
In 2015, the artist began to design protective capes with children against their fears. The collaborative work The Name of Fear sets an important accent in the exhibition and was continued especially for the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein with school classes from Liechtenstein and Switzerland. In workshops, children dying named their fears – including fear of narrow spaces, darkness or snakes – and created cloaks to protect against them using drawings. On the basis of these pieces of clothing – some of which are reminiscent of carnival, animal or superhero costumes – the artist and the Brazilian designer Guto Carvalhoneto designed protective capes, which can be seen in the current exhibition and can be tried on by the children. An octagonal platform in front of a mirrored wall invites you to perform with the capes.
Wishing, playing and experimenting
In addition, there are works in the exhibition that express wishing, freedom, experimentation and play. I Wish Your Wish (2003) takes up a tradition of the Brazilian church Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador. Thousands of colorful ribbons with wishes printed on hang on the exhibition walls. Visitors are invited to choose a ribbon of their choice and tie it around. Conversely, they can also leave wishes (“I Wish”) for others (“Your Wish”). According to tradition, when the ribbon falls off on its own, wishes come true. As colorful and playful as I Wish Your Wish appears at first glance, there are often existential worries or fears behind the small print wishes.
Processes of nature and global effects
Neuenschwander traces fears and hopes in her works and shows how they shape people and societies. Her work shows a great interest in cultural, psychological and sociological topics, but also in nature and its global effects. A deeply philosophical approach is inherent in her works, in which the human gaze is relativized – for example in relation to the passage of time, the force of the wind or the activity of animals, the artist lets the protagonists appear.
In the film Quarta-feira de Cinzas / Epilog (Ash Wednesday / Epilog) from 2006, ants carry away the colorful confetti that is scattered around during Carnival in Brazil. In addition, soft samba rhythms can be heard in the soundtrack of the Brazilian duo O Grivo. This work is co-authored by the Brazilian filmmaker Cao Guimarães.
The installation Chove Chuve (Regen Regnet) from 2002 was newly produced for the presentation at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein. Water drips from hanging buckets and collects in buckets on the floor. The fallen drops bring back memories of rainfalls, for example in the tropical climate of Brazil.
In the foyer, visitors are invited to fill in blank pages and speech bubbles from a comic and write new stories. Rivane Neuenschwanders work Joe Carioca and Friends (The Abduction of the Maiden) (2004-2021) is based on a comic about the character José Carioca – a parrot with a Cuban cigar and umbrella, which Walt Disney wrote in 1942 as a Brazilian friend Donald Ducks to strengthen the Pan-American people Invented alliances.
A day like any other in public space
As part of the exhibition Rivane Neuenschwander. Messer does not cut fire in the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, twelve ticking, but zero tilting clocks in the work A Day Like Any Other (2008) are displayed on twelve generally in public spaces – including the Post Office, the State Library or the TAK Theater Liechtenstein in Vaduz, but also in Buchs (Switzerland ) and Feldkirch (Austria) – can be seen.
A production by the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, curated by Christiane Meyer-Stoll.
Vernissage
Thursday, November 11, 2021, from 6 p.m.
Open house days
Saturday, November 13, 2021, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, November 14, 2021, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free entry to three new exhibitions
10.30 a.m. – 4 p.m .: short tours
2-4 p.m .: Forays and hands-on islands for families
The 3G rule applies to visitors aged 16 and over.
New at the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein with Hilti Art Foundation from November 12th:
Rivane Neuenschwander. Messer does not cut fire, 11/12/2021 – 04/24/2022
Body – gesture – space. Works from the Hilti Art Foundation, November 12th, 2021 – August 28th, 2022
Outside of the house. 25 years of VP Bank Art Foundation, November 12th, 2021 – March 13th, 2022
More information at: www.kunstmuseum.li
Press contact:
Press contact
Franziska Hilbe, Liechtenstein Art Museum
+423 235 03 17 [email protected]
Barbara Wagner, Liechtenstein Art Museum
+423 235 03 17 [email protected]
Original content from: Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, transmitted by news aktuell
Original message: https://www.presseportal.de/pm/122910/5069980