Monster Chetwynd «Zardoz»

Description

Monster Chetwynd (born in 1973 in London, lives in Zurich) is the first female artist to create a commissioned work for the Garden of Art at Kunsthaus Zurich. A monumental, eight-meter-high head rises there - a sculpture that serves as both a space for thought and play. Inspired by the grotesque figures of the 16th-century garden of Bomarzo, 1970s science fiction visions, and the tradition of the Follies, the work invites both children and adults to enter and explore. The ongoing climbing frame inside transforms the monumental into the accessible and activates for the first time the outdoor space designed by David Chipperfield as a true "art garden." Chetwynd's work combines art history, pop culture, and feminist strategies to create a sculpture that unites play, irritation, and reflection. In collaboration with architects and engineers, including the start-up Contouro, which originates from ETH Zurich and is connected to the chair for digital construction technologies, a visionary project has been realized that adds a participatory dimension to the classical idea of the Folly. Instead of erecting a monument, a space for thought and experience is created that makes art tangible for the senses and tests new forms of garden art. The sculpture remains freely accessible in the garden of Kunsthaus Zurich until 2027 and sends a strong signal in favor of contemporary art in public space. Supported by the Hans Imholz Foundation, the Tarbaca Indigo Foundation, the Dr Georg and Josi Guggenheim Foundation, and private donors from the Gateway Fund, a fund supporting public art installations at Kunsthaus Zurich. Staff and additional information: Monster Chetwynd.