Kilian Rüthemann
Rüthemann works with everyday familiar materials: sugar, salt or building materials such as cement, plaster, concrete, iron or asphalt. In their formal simplicity, the works of the trained sculptor reveal a comprehensive knowledge of the source materials, whose properties and potentials Rüthemann explores. Previously specially cast slabs of caramelized sugar, for example, he allows to shatter on the ground through a controlled coincidence (Untitled, 2008), meandering hardened "sausages out of concrete" unfold an unusual haptic (Ressource, 2011), and solid brick walls, having become functionless, persist in an uncertain state (Untitled (Slackers), 2016). The artist always has the materials under control, he lets them react purposefully. Traces of manufacture remain visible, as in the sarcophagi made of foam (Untitled (Sarcophag), 2009), whose yellowing, moreover, does not promise permanence but demonstrates material transience.
The artist’s main gestural concerns in his practice are Minimalism, process-based art, humor, intervention and re-purposing. The reception of his work frequently refers to reminiscences of artistic movements and positions of the late 1960s and 1970s, which today are also subsumed under the term Postminimalism. The artist questions these in a new manner and expands them. Creating emotional tension with minimalist aesthetics, the works illustrate variations on the theme of absurdity, urge, power and captivity.
Kilian Rüthemann's work is also characterised by an examination of the spatial conditions of the exhibition spaces (indoor as well as outdoor) in which he realizes his works. With targeted architectural and sculptural interventions, he knows how to reveal the characteristics of the respective spaces and make them experiential in a new way.
Kilian Rüthemann grew up in Bütschwil (SG). From 1997-2001 he completes an apprenticeship and then works as a stone sculptor (with Roland Guggenbühler) in Zuzwil (SG). From 2002-2005 he attends the College of Art and Design in the fields of fine arts and media art in Basel (taught by Jürg Stäuble and René Pulfer). 2007 is his first institutional solo exhibition at Kunsthaus Baselland (Flatland); 2008 participation at the 5th Berlin Biennale. Since then, many exhibition activities nationally and internationally. For the three solo exhibitions Double Rich at the Istituto Svizzero in Rome (2009), Sooner Rather Than Later at the Kunsthaus Glarus (2009), which won the Swiss Exhibition Award, and Attacca at the Museum für Gegenwartskunst Basel, the catalogue Double Rich was published in 2010. 2012 he had a solo show at Haus Konstruktiv, Zurich. In 2021 Rüthemann had a solo exhibition with Galerie Fabian Lang titled ‘LAG’. In 2022 solo shows followed at Galerie im Gluri Suter Huus and Kunsthalle Schaffhausen. In 2023 his works were part of the group show ‘Interior’ at Galerie Fabian Lang. Rüthemann’s work has been honored and supported with work contributions from the Kunstkredit Basel-Stadt (2008, 2010) as well as various other prizes: Kiefer Hablitzel Prize (2008, 2009), Swiss Federal Prize for Art (2009), Manor Art Prize Basel (2010). Studio fellowships in Berlin (2009) and New York (2012). 2015-2016 fellow at the Istituto Svizzero di Roma.
Kilian Rüthemann was born in 1978, Switzerland. He lives and works in Basel, CH.
