Peter Zumthor: Dear to Me

Invited to stage an exhibition for the Kunsthaus Bregenz’s 20th anniversary, Peter Zumthor creates spaces for displaying the artistic ventures that have inspired him.

“Peter Zumthor Dear to Me”, 2017 Kunsthaus Bregenz. Photo Markus Tretter. ourtesy of Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner © Peter Zumthor, Kunsthaus Bregenz
For its 20th anniversary, Kunsthaus Bregenz’s architect Peter Zumthor has been invited to stage an exhibition. The Pritzker prizewinning architect has decided to dispense with any kind of traditional exhibition, instead creating spaces, receptacles for thinking, displaying, and listening, for the artistic ventures he cherishes and that have inspired him: “Dear to Me.”
The musical program is being curated by the musician Peter Conradin Zumthor, readings are being organized by literature expert Brigitte Labs-Ehlert, and a film directed by Swiss filmmaker Christoph Schaub. In addition Peter Zumthor is inviting guests to discussions. Each Sunday morning he will be interviewing people whose work has inspired him.  

 

KUB ’s spaces will be reflecting their own use. On the ground floor a Bösendorfer grand piano is being installed in the middle of the space. A black canopy has been suspended above the flat platform of the stage, serving as both a space divider and soundproofing. The geometric paneling on the walls fulfills a similar function whilst simultaneously acting as abstract colour field paintings. When no event is in progress, the stage space will serve as a lounge and lobby, for which Peter Zumthor has designed chairs and stools. A bar area has also been constructed. A film is being screened on monitors, showing interviews and archival material relating to Zumthor’s architectural work.

Img.9 “Peter Zumthor Dear to Me”, 2017 Kunsthaus Bregenz. Photo Markus Tretter. ourtesy of Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner © Peter Zumthor, Kunsthaus Bregenz
Img.9 “Peter Zumthor Dear to Me”, 2017. Exhibition view third floor, Kunsthaus Bregenz. Photo Markus Tretter. Courtesy of Atelier Peter Zumthor & Partner © Peter Zumthor, Kunsthaus Bregenz
The first floor foregoes any redesign of the interior. The building – Zumthor’s real work – is particularly prominent here: its famous daylight ceiling, the reflective terrazzo and the velvety stone shell of the walls. The Austrian composer Olga Neuwirth has been asked by Peter Conradin Zumthor to compose a new work for a music box, its punch cardtape winding up to the ceiling.
The walls display works by the photographer Hélène Binet. Binet is a photographer from Ticino who has been linked to Kunsthaus Bregenz from the very beginning, already photographing it at its opening in 1997. Peter Zumthor has invited her to show a series of pictures recording subjects from the Acropolis in Athens. One of Peter Zumthor’s favorite architects is Dimitris Pikionis (1887–1968). The Greek landscape architect designed the paving on the ancient Temple Mount which Binet has captured photographically: the paths and vegetation, stones and temples in silvery shadows and calm sensual elegance.
Img.10 Olga Neuwirth, Tinkle for P.Z. Photo © Peter Conradin Zumthor
Img.10 Olga Neuwirth, Tinkle for P.Z. Photo © Peter Conradin Zumthor
The second floor is a thicket of walls. Shelves obstruct views and walkways, book shelving creating a helical labyrinth around an open central space, a literary atrium. Chairs by horgenglarus, Switzerland’s oldest furniture manufacturer, have been situated throughout the installation. It is a library offering space for both public reading and private study. About 40,000 books have been brought from Chur to Bregenz especially for the occasion.
The uppermost floor houses a garden. The artist couple Gerda Steiner and Jörg Lenzlinger are presenting a fantastical space. Delicate plants from various materials dangle as mobiles from the light-filled ceiling, branches grow upwards, stones from Bregenzer wald offer space for relaxation, and tea is being served. The soft light traces gracefully graphic shadows. On some of the walls vines, garlands and even crystals grow. The space is a colorful tropical house, an image of nature and an artificial landscape.
Img.11 Peter Zumthor, Kunsthaus Bregenz, 2016. Photo Martin Mischkulnig. © Kunsthaus Bregenz
Img.11 Peter Zumthor, Kunsthaus Bregenz, 2016. Photo Martin Mischkulnig. © Kunsthaus Bregenz

until 7 January 2018
Peter Zumthor Dear to Me
Kunsthaus Bregenz
Karl-Tizian-Platz, Bregenz
Curator: Rudolf Sagmeister

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