Arts & Entertainment

Zilla Leutenegger: When Machines, Movement and Memory Become Art

Written by Admin • 2026-09-22 02:01:00

Zilla Leutenegger's upcoming exhibition at Museum Tinguely in Basel explores the intersection of multimedia art and kinetic sculpture through a poetic dialogue between her work and that of Jean Tinguely. Opening on 22 September 2026, the exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the nature of movement, memory, and the evolving landscape of contemporary art.

Zilla Leutenegger: When Machines, Movement and Memory Become Art

Zilla Leutenegger: When Machines, Movement and Memory Become Art

Exploring the Intersection of Multimedia Art and Kinetic Sculpture at Museum Tinguely

The Quiet Power of Movement

In the realm of contemporary art, movement often serves as a powerful conduit for expression. Zilla Leutenegger’s upcoming exhibition, 'Zwischenraum / Hindurchzuschaun', exemplifies this notion by bringing together video, drawing, and installation in a cohesive dialogue. Through her installations, she explores how physical movement can resonate deeply with audiences, creating a space where visual and kinetic experiences intersect. This exploration is particularly poignant in the context of Jean Tinguely’s kinetic machines, which not only move but also embody the spirit of mechanical dynamism. As artists like Leutenegger delve into the implications of motion, they invite viewers to reflect on their own experiences of time and memory within the space of art.
Leutenegger’s work prompts us to consider how art can transcend traditional categories. By integrating multimedia elements, she challenges the conventional boundaries that often separate different artistic practices. The exhibition at Museum Tinguely is not just a showcase of art but a conceptual engagement with how technology, memory, and movement can coalesce in a singular artistic experience. This encounter will undoubtedly encourage viewers to reconsider their perceptions of visual culture and the evolving role of multimedia art in society.

Zilla Leutenegger's Multimedia Language

Zilla Leutenegger is a Swiss contemporary artist known for her innovative approach to multimedia art. Her practice incorporates video drawings, installations, and monotypes, creating a rich tapestry of visual experiences that engage the viewer on multiple levels. In her upcoming exhibition, she showcases approximately ten multimedia installations that seamlessly blend various artistic languages. This synthesis not only highlights her versatility as an artist but also serves as a commentary on the fluid nature of contemporary art. Each piece invites viewers to navigate through a landscape where drawing, video, and installation converge, offering a fresh perspective on how we understand and interact with art.
Through her installations, Leutenegger engages in a conversation with the legacy of Jean Tinguely, whose mechanical art has long fascinated audiences with its playful yet profound exploration of movement. By juxtaposing her work with Tinguely's kinetic sculptures, she creates an environment where the dialogue between past and present enhances the viewer's experience. This interaction emphasizes the ongoing evolution of artistic practices and the importance of embracing diverse forms of expression in the contemporary art landscape.

Meeting Jean Tinguely

The exhibition at Museum Tinguely marks a significant moment in the dialogue between Zilla Leutenegger and Jean Tinguely's work. Tinguely, renowned for his whimsical kinetic sculptures, revolutionized the understanding of movement in art during the 20th century. By placing her multimedia installations in proximity to his machines, Leutenegger not only pays homage to Tinguely's legacy but also expands upon it. This encounter serves as a platform for exploring how contemporary artists can reinterpret mechanical movement through the lens of new technologies and artistic practices.
The interaction between their works is a testament to the enduring relevance of kinetic art in today’s visual culture. As audiences engage with the installations, they are invited to explore the connections between machinery, movement, and memory. This exhibition not only celebrates the innovation of both artists but also invites a deeper understanding of how art can serve as a bridge between different artistic expressions and eras.
The artwork becomes a space where movement and memory can meet.
— Editorial framing
Facts & Insights
  • Zilla Leutenegger's exhibition Zwischenraum / Hindurchzuschaun opens at Museum Tinguely in Basel on 22 September 2026.
  • The exhibition includes approximately 10 multimedia installations and a selection of monotypes.
  • Her video drawings are presented in dialogue with the mechanical works and artistic legacy of Jean Tinguely.
10+ Multimedia Installations
1 Major Swiss Exhibition
2 Artistic Languages
1 Museum Dialogue

Image sources

By HerBauhaus - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=173632834