Mirrors Across Time and Cultures at Museum Rietberg
At the Museum Rietberg in Zurich, the exhibition 'Specchio – Il riflesso dell’io' delves into the mirror's role in shaping identity and promoting self-reflection. Artifacts from Asia, Oceania, the Americas, and Africa are showcased, including a bronze mirror from Egypt dating back 4,000 years. The exhibit investigates concepts such as wisdom versus vanity and self-awareness versus vanitas. Notable pieces include John Gibson's Narcissus sculpture, Bill Viola's video work, and contributions from artists like Cindy Sherman, Zanele Muholi, Nan Goldin, Francesca Woodman, Vivian Maier, and Nadia Mounier. Yinka Shonibare's video features dancers in harmony. The exhibition also addresses the mirror's religious symbolism and ends with Li Wei's interactive piece 'Hi'. Curated by Arianna Testino, it is open until September 22, 2019.
Key facts
- Exhibition 'Specchio – Il riflesso dell’io' at Museum Rietberg, Zurich
- Runs until September 22, 2019
- Features a 4,000-year-old Egyptian bronze mirror inscribed as a gift from father to daughter
- Includes mirrors from Etruscan, Roman, Greek, Indian, Chinese, and Venetian cultures
- Works by Cindy Sherman, Zanele Muholi, Nan Goldin, Francesca Woodman, Vivian Maier, Nadia Mounier
- John Gibson's Narcissus sculpture and Bill Viola's video installation are included
- Yinka Shonibare's video with two dancers (one white, one black) explores opposites
- Li Wei's interactive installation 'Hi' alters the viewer's reflection
Entities
Artists
- Cindy Sherman
- Zanele Muholi
- Nan Goldin
- Francesca Woodman
- Vivian Maier
- Nadia Mounier
- John Gibson
- Bill Viola
- Yinka Shonibare
- Li Wei
- Paul Delvaux
- Florence Henri
- Arianna Testino
Institutions
- Museum Rietberg
- Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza
- Sprengel Museum
- Galleria Martini & Ronchetti
- Artribune
Locations
- Zurich
- Switzerland
- Madrid
- Spain
- Hannover
- Germany
- Egypt
- Etruria
- Ancient Rome
- Greece
- India
- China
- Venice