Roman Signer: Unique art for Zurich - a paradise of the surprises!

Roman Signer: Unique art for Zurich - a paradise of the surprises!

Roman Signer, an important European contemporary artist, is recognized in the Kunsthaus Zurich with a comprehensive solo exhibition. This is entitled "Roman Signer. Landscape" and can be seen from April 4 to August 17, 2025. Signer, who is 86 years old and dates from Eastern Switzerland, has dealt with time, space and energy for over five decades and integrated everyday objects such as buckets, bottles and kayaks into his works. His works of art are known for their surprising and poetic aspects, which often question the order of the world and offer new perspectives on their beauty and strength.

In a conversation with the curator of the Kunsthaus, Mirjam Varadinis, Signer expressed the desire to implement an artistic project with a sheet metal hut that a helicopter stones throws down. This idea reflects his tendency to work with humorous and often playful elements, which are also recognizable in his well -known works such as water -sloping rubber boots and an exploding executive chair.

The exhibition in the Kunsthaus Zurich

The exhibition in the Kunsthaus Zurich offers a "surprising overall installation" from different creative periods by Roman Signer. The exhibition hall is open and without walls, with a shiny soil that allows visitors to dive into the atmosphere of art. You can see different objects, including kayaks, a paddling pool and a wooden hut. Signers works, many of them classify as "time sculptures", are intended to illustrate the temporary nature of artistic work. These works are often documented by photography and film.

Signer has become internationally known for his participation in Documenta 8 (1987) and the Biennale in Venice (1999). His artistic training began with a architectural teaching apprenticeship, followed by studying the sculpture in Zurich and Lucerne. He received significant influences during his studies in Warsaw, where the street became his “academy” during his stay and he met his wife, the artist Aleksandra Rogowiec. Signer has lived in St. Gallen since 1972, where he continued his work.

Connection of Land Art and Concept Art

The work of Roman Signer also arouses associations with the country art, an art form that uses the natural environment as a medium and often creates temporary, local works. Land Art and Concept Art address the dialogue between man and the environment and require reflection on art perception. While Land Art often manifests itself in the landscape, concept art focuses on the ideas behind a work of art and addresses social issues. Signer's game with temporal and spatial elements combines these two art forms in a unique way.

Both currents promote interactive experiences that actively involve the audience. Reference: Land Art creates impressive works that transform the landscape, while concept art is more likely to pay attention to conceptual questions and thus stimulate the viewer for active participation. The exhibition "Roman Signer. Landscape" in the Kunsthaus Zurich embodies this dialogue by a variety of media and interactive elements that involve the viewer into the artistic process. On the occasion of the exhibition, the publication "Roman Signer. Landscape", which contains illustrations of his work and a conversation with the curator.

The Kunsthaus Zurich not only offers a deep insight into Roman Signer's complex work, but also invites you to think about the role of art today.