RETO PULFER, partial view from the installation Die Loci der Ortie (2015)
at Centre international d’art et du paysage, Île de Vassivière, France
photo: AURELIEN MOLE

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Since mid-November 2015, a solo exhibition by RETO PULFER is presented at the Vassivière Island International Centre for Art and Landscape in France. Situated on an artificial island in the middle of an artificial lake which has been created in 1950’s in order to produce electricity, this art venue is offering a rather unique context for the artists they invite.

And indeed, the paradox between artificial and natural plays very often an important role in the conception of the works and the exhibitions. RETO PULFER is no exception. Entitled Die Loci der Ortie, the show consists of a succession of spaces where tents and objects aims ‘to convey the starkness of the dam and the artificial character of Vassivière Island’ according to the artist.

Each arrangements, for which he used recycled and found materials such as fabrics, paper, plants, or stones, resemble environments, whose combined objects form entire habitats, and artificial terrarium-like worlds. Eventually the exhibition seems to transform the viewer into an almost scientifically neutral observer while also encouraging a projective, emotional response.

Die Loci der Ortie by RETO PULFER is on view at the Vassivière Island International Centre for Art and Landscape, France until March 6, 2016. Please note also that the project involves a publication jointly published by the Centre d’Art Contemporain in Geneva, Spike Island in Bristol (UK), the Musée Régional d’Art Contemporain in Sérignan (France) and the Forum Eugénio de Almeida in Evora (Portugal). It will appear in 2016.

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