Rivane Neuenschwander’s richly varied oeuvre is marked by a strong interest in
cultural, psychological and sociological questions, processes in nature and global interconnections.

The title of the show is taken from a poem by the famous Portuguese lyric poet Herberto Helder (1930–2015) and testifies to Neuenschwander's trust in the power of poetry. At the same time, this quote possesses considerable social relevance: no knife can open people's hearts, let alone put out "political" fires. Instead, it is an instrument which, when turned against someone, causes fear.

In 2015 the artist began designing capes with children to protect them from their fears. The collaborative work The Name of Fear is an important focal point of the exhibition and was continued with schools in Liechtenstein and Switzerland especially for this show. The show also features works expressing wishing, freedom, experimentation and play. I Wish Your Wish (2003) harks back to a custom from the Brazilian Church of Nosso Senhor do Bonfim in Salvador. On the walls of the exhibition hang thousands of colourful ribbons with wishes printed on them. Visitors are invited to choose a wish-ribbon and tie it around their wrist and, conversely, to leave wishes for others. The tradition has it that the wishes will be fulfilled if the ribbon falls off on its own.

In her oeuvre, Neuenschwander explores fears and hopes, demonstrating how they define people and society. There is a profoundly philosophical understanding in her works in which she puts the human perspective into perspective; for example, the passage of time, the power of the nature or the activity of animals, that the artist stages as formative protagonists.

The exhibition knife does not cut fire is the artist's first comprehensive solo exhibition in the German-speaking world and places an emphasis on her recent works.

Rivane Neuenschwander (born 1967, Belo Horizonte, Brazil) lives and works in São Paulo.

A production of Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, curated by Christiane Meyer-Stoll.

 

More pictures to this exhibition

  • Rivane Neuenschwander
    Exhibition view, photo: Stefan Altenburger, Zürich
    © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Rivane Neuenschwander
    Exhibition view, photo: Stefan Altenburger, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Rivane Neuenschwander
    Exhibition view, photo: Stefan Altenburger, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Rivane Neuenschwander
    Exhibition view, photo: Stefan Altenburger, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Rivane Neuenschwander
    Exhibition view, photo: Stefan Altenburger, Zürich © Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein
  • Opening
  • Thu, 11.11.2021
    18.00
  • Guided tours
  • Thu, 21.4.2022
    18.00
  • Sun, 24.4.2022
    11.00
  • Fri 29.1.

    Workshop

    Schreiben macht stark!
    with Anna Ospelt
  • Thu 4.11.

    Lecture and discussion

    Rivane Neuenschwander. knife does not cut fire
    Insight into the exhibition planning
    with Christiane Meyer-Stoll, curator of the exhibition, and Susanne Kudorfer, head of the educational programme
  • Thu 18.11.

    Movie

    The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão
    by Karim Aïnouz, BR 2019, Pt/de, 139’
  • Tue 23.11.

    Introduction for Teachers

    Rivane Neuenschwander.
    knife does not cut fire
    with Susanne Kudorfer and Klara Frick
  • Wed 24.11.

    Active together

    Wednesday afternoon at the Kunstmuseum
    with Beate Frommelt
  • Thu 25.11.

    Take Away

    Rivane Neuenschwander.
    knife does not cut fire
    Short guided tour during the lunch break
    with Klara Frick
  • Wed 1.12.

    Workshop

    Writing empowers!
    with Anna Ospelt
  • Thu 2.12.

    Introduction for Teachers

    Rivane Neuenschwander
    knife does not cut fire
    with Susanne Kudorfer and Klara Frick
  • Fri 3.12.

    Kids

    Pop-up Workshop
    for children aged 6 to 12
    with Klara Frick and Olivia Büchel
  • Sun 5.12.

    Guided tour and discussion

    Wishes, fears, hopes ***POSTPONED***
    with Nadine Hilti, Susanne Kudorfer and Christiane Meyer-Stoll
  • Sat 29.1.

    Workshop

    Writing Workshop
    with Anna Ospelt and Klara Frick
  • Wed 9.2.

    Workshop

    Writing empowers!
    with Anna Ospelt
  • Thu 10.2.

    Guided tour and discussion

    Concept, form, effect
    with Yasmin Afschar and Christiane Meyer-Stoll
  • Sun 20.2.

    Guided tour and discussion

    Wishes, fears, hopes
    with Nadine Hilti, Susanne Kudorfer and Christiane Meyer-Stoll
  • Thu 24.2.

    Online Discussion

    Rivane Neuenschwander.
    knife does not cut fire
    with Rivane Neuenschwander and Christiane Meyer-Stoll
    The talk will be held in English.
  • Wed 9.3.

    Workshop

    Writing empowers!
    with Anna Ospelt
  • Thu 10.3.

    Workshop

    Writing Workshop
    with Anna Ospelt and Susanne Kudorfer
  • Thu 24.3.

    Guided tour and discussion

    Capes, tapestries, dresses for figurines
    with Tina Moor and Susanne Kudorfer
  • Thu 31.3.

    Take Away

    Rivane Neuenschwander.
    knife does not cut fire
    Short guided tour during the lunch break
    with Olivia Büchel
  • Thu 31.3.

    Movie

    Birdwatchers
    by Mario Bechis, BR 2008, Es/de
  • Sat 9.4.

    Workshop

    Writing Workshop
    with Anna Ospelt and Christiane Meyer-Stoll
  • Wed 13.4.

    Active together

    Wednesday afternoon at the Kunstmuseum
    with Beate Frommelt
  • Thu 21.4.

    Guided tour

    Rivane Neuenschwander.
    knife does not cut fire
    with Susanne Kudorfer
  • Sun 24.4.

    Guided tour

    Rivane Neuenschwander.
    knife does not cut fire
    with Christiane Meyer-Stoll