Urs Fischer Intervenes on Basel Department Store Facade with Memento Mori
Urs Fischer, a Swiss artist, has unveiled a public art installation on the facade of the Globus department store in Basel, coinciding with its renovation. This initiative, organized by Public Art Project and Fondation Beyeler, marks the third installment in a series that includes works by Claudia Comte and Julian Charrière. Fischer drew inspiration from the 15th-century Totehüsli mural cycle, creating a new rendition of "Eternity," a billboard-sized piece that merges a film noir still with bacon. Nearby, "Invisible Mother" (2015) depicts a skeleton seated with water spraying from a hose. Inside the Totehüsli, "Untitled" (2011) showcases a self-portrait made of melting candle wax. Additional pieces include "Violent Cappuccino" (2007) and "Moldew & Dew" (2022). The exhibition is set to continue until July 27, 2025, aligning with Art Basel.
Key facts
- Urs Fischer created a site-specific project on the facade of Globus department store in Basel.
- The project is part of a renovation and the third in a series by Public Art Project and Fondation Beyeler.
- Fischer's work references the Totehüsli, a 15th-century Dance of Death mural cycle.
- The facade features a new version of 'Eternity' (2023), a billboard with a film noir still and bacon slice.
- A bronze fountain sculpture 'Invisible Mother' (2015) shows a skeleton on a chair.
- Inside the Totehüsli, Fischer's self-portrait in candle wax (2011) melts when lit.
- Other works include 'Violent Cappuccino' (2007), 'Moldew & Dew' (2022), and 'Undigested Sunset' (2001-2002).
- The exhibition runs until July 27, 2025, during Art Basel.
Entities
Artists
- Urs Fischer
- Claudia Comte
- Julian Charrière
- Niklaus Manuel
- Hans Holbein the Younger
- Jean Tinguely
- Harald Naegeli
Institutions
- Globus
- Fondation Beyeler
- Public Art Project
- Historisches Museum Basel
- Art Basel
Locations
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Marktplatz
- Münsterhügel
- Martinskirchplatz
- Zurich
- Bern