Grids, rules, repeats—in Western art in the mid-1980s there was a renewed interest in geometric-abstract, rational forms of expression. In 1986 the renowned Swiss art historian Markus Brüderlin wrote an essay for the magazine Kunstforum international in which he dubbed this trend ‘New Geometry’. This movement notably took root in western Switzerland where its impact is still felt today. It is particularly associated with male exponents such as Olivier Mosset (*1944). So it is now time for a younger, exclusively female take on NEOGEO. The present exhibition, devised in collaboration with the participating artists—Claudia Comte (*1983), Athene Galiciadis (*1978) and Andrea Heller (*1975)—highlights the overarching influence of this movement in their work. All of these artists have links to Romandy, the French-speaking part of Switzerland: Comte and Galiciadis studied together at École cantonale d’art de Lausanne (ECAL), and although Heller trained elsewhere, her artistic activities and exhibitions are anchored in this region. The work of all three participants abounds with pattern as a foundation that is open to variation in any number of ways. Geometric, often colourful basic forms predominate both in the works already in the collection of the Graphische Sammlung and in the room-sized installation with filigree works on paper created especially for the exhibition.
Working closely with the Edition VFO (Verein für Originalgraphik) in Zurich, all three artists have produced prints in connection with the present exhibition—in techniques of their own choosing. These editions will be presented on 15 May 2025 at the next VFO opening, which will also feature editions by Isabelle Cornaro, Anaïs Defago and Sylvie Fleury. See www.edition-vfo.ch for further information.
A special publication designed to accompany both exhibitions—at the Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich and at Edition Verein für Originalgraphik—and published by Verlag für moderne Kunst will be released at the book launch on 13 June 2025.
Curator: Alexandra Barcal, Graphische Sammlung ETH Zürich
This project is supported by:
Erna und Curt Burgauer Stiftung ERNST GÖHNER STIFTUNG
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