Peter Fischli David Weiss
May 2013—December 2014
Fascinated with unconventional subject matter and material, Swiss artists Peter Fischli and David Weiss cheekily toy with the idea of “high art,” questioning popular narratives and movements in art and cultural history. Our fourth exhibition, Peter Fischli and David Weiss, presented an in-depth survey of the duo’s work from 1979 through 2012. More than two-dozen works were on display, including the artists’ most ambitious polyurethane installation to date, The Objects for Glenstone 2011.
Exhibition Preview
-
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Studio Dog, 2011–2012
Fischli 2011Studio Dog, 2011–2012
hand-carved and painted polyurethane
still life from a group of hand-carved and painted polyurethane objects
33 x 39 ½ x 27 ¼ inches (84 x 100 x 69 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_StudioDog-601x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
The Objects for Glenstone, 2010–2011
Fischli 2010The Objects for Glenstone, 2010–2011
hand-carved and painted polyurethane
from ¼ x 1 ½ inches to 62 ½ x 18 x 62 ½ inches (1 x 4 x 1 cm to 159 x 47 x 159 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_ObjectsGlenstone-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Shifted Volumes, 2009
Fischli 2009Shifted Volumes, 2009
reinforced clay
10 ½ x 18 ¼ x 7 inches (27 x 46 x 18 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_ShiftedVolumes-1065x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Plumbing Part, 2009
Fischli 2009Plumbing Part, 2009
reinforced clay
2 ¼ x 12 ¾ x 8 inches (6 x 32 x 20 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_PlumbingPart-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Big Corner, 2009
Fischli 2009Big Corner, 2009
reinforced clay
13 ¼ x 13 x 13 ⅛ inches (34 x 33 x 33 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_BigCorner-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Rat and Bear (Flying), 2008–2009
Fischli 2008Rat and Bear (Flying), 2008–2009
cotton, wire, and steel
suspended versions of costumes worn by the artists in a series of films begun in 1980
each 55 x 17 ¾ inches (140 x 45 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_RatBear.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Kanalarbeiten (Sewer Workers), 2005
Fischli 2005Kanalarbeiten (Sewer Workers), 2005
black rubber
7 x 18 ½ x 10 ⅜ inches (18 x 47 x 26 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_SewerWorkers-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Big Root, 2005
Fischli 2005Big Root, 2005
black rubber
43 x 61 x 51 inches (109 x 155 x 130 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_BigRoot-1021x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Son et Lumière, 1990
Fischli 1990Son et Lumière, 1990
Swiss Army-issued flashlight, turntable, plastic cup, adhesive tape
projection of a kinetic object
approximately 6 x 15 x 8 inches (15 x 38 x 20 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_SonLumiere.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Car, 1988
Fischli 1988Car, 1988
plaster
19 x 59 x 26 inches (48 x 150 x 66 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Car_001-1064x800.jpg A close-up of a smooth white plaster car, with the basic shapes of a 1980s four-door sedan and no details. -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Car, 1988
Fischli 1988Car, 1988
plaster
20 x 54 3/4 x 23 1/2 inches (51 x 139 x 60 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Car_002-1064x800.jpg A close-up of a smooth white plaster car, with the basic shape of a 1980s hatchback. The texture of the plaster is visible. -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Hostesses, 1988
Fischli 1988Hostesses, 1988
plaster
22 ½ x 19 ¼ x 28 ¾ inches (57 x 49 x 73 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Hostesses.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Schallplatte (Record), 1988
Fischli 1988Schallplatte (Record), 1988
beracryl
⅛ x 12 x 12 inches (.32 x 30 x 30 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Record-1065x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Views of Airports, 1987–2012
Fischli 1987Views of Airports, 1987–2012
digital slide projection, media drive
collection of 469 images of airports originating from 35 mm slides
Views of Airports has been shown as both cibachrome photographs and as a digital slide projection
dimensions variable
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_AirportsMI.jpg
-
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Small cupboard, 1987
Fischli 1987Small cupboard, 1987
black rubber
21 ½ x 25 ½ x 13 ¼ inches (55 x 65 x 34 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_SmallCupboard-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Mann intim (A man’s world), 1987
Fischli 1987Mann intim (A man’s world), 1987
cast rubber
6 x 12 ½ x 6 inches (15 x 32 x 15 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_MansWorld-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Moroccan Cushion, 1987
Fischli 1987Moroccan Cushion, 1987
cast rubber
12 x 21 x 21 inches (30 x 53 x 53 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_MoroccanCushion-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Visible World, 1986–2001
Fischli 1986Visible World, 1986–2001
light tables with small format photographs
15 light tables depicting a selection of 3,000 photographs archived from various travels the artists began in 1986
Visible World has been exhibited as a video and on light tables
1,104 x 27 ¼ x 32 ½ inches (2,804 x 69 x 90 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_VisibleWorld-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Animal, 1986
Fischli 1986Animal, 1986
hand-carved and painted polyurethane, cloth object from a series of 16 Grey Sculptures
20 x 18 ½ x 33 inches (51 x 47 x 83 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Animal-1064x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Equilibres (A Quiet Afternoon), 1984–1986
Fischli 1984Equilibres (A Quiet Afternoon), 1984–1986
series of 45 photographs (in color, black-and-white, landscape, and portrait views) first shown in 1984/5. In 2006, the artists used original negatives to expand the series to this set of 82 photographs
11 ⅞ x 8 inches (30 x 20 cm) each
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Equilibres-1-1064x800.jpg Nineteen framed photos hang on three different white walls, with a white ceiling and wooden floor.
-
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Suddenly This Overview, 1981
Fischli 1981Suddenly This Overview, 1981
unfired clay
selection of 56 objects from a series of more than 350 unfired clay sculptures presented on pedestals or mounted on the wall
ranging from 1 ⅜ x 3 ⅛ x 3 ¼ inches to 6 x 20 x 5 ¾ inches
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: overview, Ron Amstutz; details, Jason Klimatsas
overview, Ron Amstutz; details, Jason Klimatsas Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_SuddenlyThis-1-1064x800.jpg
-
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Questions, 1981-2002
Fischli 1981Questions, 1981-2002
slides, projectors, dissolve units, painted polyurethane
dimensions variable
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Photo: Ron Amstutz
Ron Amstutz Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/FISCw_GF_Questions-1045x800.jpg -
Peter Fischli David Weiss
Sausage Series, 1979
Fischli 1979Sausage Series, 1979
suite of ten (10) C-prints
each 19 ⅞ x 29 ½ inches (50 x 75 cm)
© Peter Fischli and David Weiss, courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery
Peter Fischli David Weiss https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/FISCw_sau_GLEN_007.jpg Five sausages have deli meat capes, bottle cap hats, and beady facial features. They sit on the ledge of a streaky mirror.
Publications
Peter Fischli David Weiss (2013)
Foreword by Emily Wei Rales, Mitchell P. Rales. Text by Mark Godfrey, Boris Groys. Interview by Hans Ulrich Obrist, Brian O'Doherty.
Peter Fischli (born 1952) and David Weiss (1946–2012) collaborate to transform the stuff of ordinary life into a series of quizzical, whimsical, even disquieting encounters. Fascinated with unconventional subject matter and material, Fischli and Weiss toy with the idea of "high art," questioning popular narratives and movements in art and cultural history. Peter Fischli David Weiss presents an in-depth survey of the artists’ work from 1979 through 2012, drawn exclusively from Glenstone’s collection. The volume includes rubber and clay sculptures; photographic series including Equilibres (A Quiet Afternoon), 1984–1986, and Sausage Series, 1979; digital slides such as Views of Airports, 1987–2012, and Flowers and Mushrooms, 1997–2006; stills from their acclaimed video The Way Things Go, 1988; and the most recent iteration of their alter egos, Rat and Bear (Flying), 2008–2009. Also reproduced is the artists’ most ambitious polyurethane installation, The Objects for Glenstone, 2010–2011, and Questions, 1981–2002, a slide installation of over 400 handwritten existential queries such as "Is the Devil a cheerful person?" and "Will happiness find me?" which won the Golden Lion Prize at the 2003 Venice Biennale.
Publisher: Glenstone Museum
ISBN: 9780980108637
Publication date: 2013
Page count: 256
$65.00
https://www.glenstone.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/PF_DW_BOOK-01A-810x1080.jpg
