Curated by Francesca Bernasconi

More than 150 artworks retrace Raetz’s fascinating career, from the 1970s to the present day, and all the themes he has explored: firstly the perception phenomena which he investigates through several recurring themes, such as words, landscapes, views, physiognomies and faces. Through a playful and conceptual approach, the artist’s creations, which appear simple and accessible at first glance, actually reveal the complexity of the reality that surrounds us. Particular relevance is given to printmaking, a key interest of the artist’s. Throughout the years, he has explored various engraving techniques, experimenting with new applications, in search of ever-greater creative freedom. The artist’s graphic research was developed alongside a parallel investigation of the plastic arts, as demonstrated by the numerous sculptures included in the exhibition. These are often artworks which transform under the eyes of the viewer, changing form and meaning, according to the viewing point. A word may transform into its exact opposite, and the profile of the famous artist Beuys mutates into the form of a hare. iI Raetz’s sculptures, opposites co-exist and nothing is as it seems.

Chambre de lecture

Presented in a dedicated and separate space, this artwork is the ideal starting point from which to discover the poetry of Markus Raetz. The work is composed by 432 metal wire profiles modelled by the artist and hung in front of the walls in the room. The slightest breeze sets this orderly composition in motion, in most cases, caused by the movements of the viewers themselves. This results in a fascinating series of dynamics. Observing the movement of the heads may provoke a smile, but also offers food for thought. As often in Markus Raetz’s works, the transition from the universal to intimate dimension of consumption is seamless.

Catalogue
Also dedicated to Chambre de lecture is an eponymous publication (Edizioni Casagrande), realized on the occasion of the exhibition at MASI Lugano. The book describes the artist’s work in 360 images, with texts by Francesca Bernasconi, Curator of the exhibition, and Marco Franciolli, Director of MASI Lugano. The volume is enriched with a selection of colour pictures taken in the artist’s studio by the photographer Alexander Jaquemet.