Walter Pichler Exhibition Curated by Cyprien Gaillard at Contemporary Fine Arts Basel

An exhibition of works by Austrian artist Walter Pichler, curated by contemporary artist Cyprien Gaillard, is on view at Contemporary Fine Arts in Basel until April 11, 2026. The show focuses on Pichler's sculptures and drawings, particularly pieces that never received permanent architectural housing on his farm in St. Martin, Burgenland. Pichler, known for a significant artistic shift in the early 1970s, moved from futuristic synthetic materials to natural substances like clay, wood, and metals, while incorporating time as a fundamental element in his practice. After declining an initial invitation to represent Austria at the 1972 Venice Biennale, he eventually participated in 1982, displaying works including 'Movable Figure' and 'Skull Caps.' From 1972 until his death in 2012, Pichler constructed seven dedicated buildings on his farm to house his sculptures, an ensemble once described as 'Pichler's modest Acropolis.' Curator Cyprien Gaillard became interested in Pichler's work through auction acquisitions and catalogues, later visiting the artist's studio and farm. Gaillard notes parallels in their shared concern with time, decay, and architectural presence, though he emphasizes differences in their approaches. The exhibition includes drawings selected by Gaillard that highlight autobiographical themes, alongside sculptures like 'Small Torso,' 'Double Head,' and 'Red Rod.' The presentation is housed in a building dating to 1345, aligning with Pichler's appreciation for human-scaled architecture.