The Mutual Society

An Exhibition on Art & Human Rights @ DIENSTGEBÄUDE, Töpferstrasse 26, 8045 Zürich
Opening: Thursday, 20 June 2024, 18:30–20:30 pm with Artist Talk

with works by Igigo Wu, Catarina Teixeira, Ni Daodao, Noël Hochuli, AT Huth, Hanna Köpfle, Blaž Rojs and Kate Tsui
Curated by Jana Kurth

OnCurating Project Space
@ DIENSTGEBÄUDE
Töpferstrasse 26, Zürich 8045

Opening Hours (with the artists present)
Thursday, June 20, 18:30–20:30 pm (Vernissage)
Saturday, June 22, 14:00–17:00 pm
Tuesday, June 25, 15:00–18:00 pm
Wednesday, June 26, 15:00–18:00 pm
Thursday, June 27, 18:30–20:30 pm (Closing)

Download the press material here.

«The Mutual Society – Die Gegenseitigkeitsgesellschaft » is poised to offer explicit insights into the emerging generation of artists. It specifically highlights how young artists navigate, negotiate, and reinterpret the universally recognized value system of human rights through their unique lenses and creative expressions. Their work poses vital questions and introduces fresh perspectives into the public discourse. At a time when human rights are under considerable pressure, this exhibition underscores the fact that respect for human rights transcends moral imperative; it is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of corporate responsibility and sustainable business practices. From combating child labor and precarious working conditions to addressing environmental harm, the exhibition illuminates the necessity for proactive corporate measures. It echoes the economic philosophy that ethics can enhance capitalism by eradicating inefficiencies borne from unethical behavior, emphasizing mutual recognition, rights, responsibilities and interdependencies. «The Mutual Society» aims to illuminate a thematic landscape in an open-ended manner, featuring narratives as diverse as the artists themselves. It seeks to engage a wide audience, raising awareness about human rights, individual responsibility and sustainability while fostering discussions around contemporary art in relation to human rights.

Igigo Wu: In her vibrant oil paintings, Igigo critically examines the ecology of modern violence within a post-colonial context.

Catarina Teixeira: Catarina‘s subtle artworks delve into the intricate power dynamics between nations, exploring themes such as equality, the gravity of consequences, justice, and the idea of equal opportunities for all.

Ni Daodao: Daodao aims to be an ambassador for the Tibetan experience. In his performance photo documentary, he gently addresses the issues of censorship and political restrictions faced by Tibetans both inside and outside their homeland.

Noël Hochuli: Noël’s installation focuses on the extraction of the raw material copper, highlighting the environmental harm, water quality issues, and biodiversity loss this exploitation causes. It emphasizes the soil erosion affecting both our land and the lands of people who have lived there for generations and struggle to protect their rights.

AT Huth: AT delves into the complexities of «fair and sustainable coffee production». His work critically examines the modern parallels of slavery within a consumer-driven, overworked society (24/7 work mentality), with a striking large-scale artwork composed of burnt coffee grounds installed on the floor.

Hanna Köpfle: Hanna’s installation highlights working conditions in Swiss Market Index (SMI) companies that directly impact employee well-being, advocating for workers’ rights, including decent wages and safe conditions. Her multi-layered painting contemplates the diversity and complexity of human experience in the context of identity.

Blaž Rojs: Blaž’s multifaceted art works address the importance of ensuring universal human rights in a digital age. He explores themes of inclusion, privacy, and autonomy, highlighting the necessity of equal access to rights and freedoms regardless of one’s background or circumstances.

Kate Tsui: Kate incisively engages with the intricate balance between the social rights and responsibilities of artists, curators, and spectators. Her installation serves as a catalyst for discourse, encouraging to explore the potential of art in reflecting upon complex ethical and societal issues.

The order of the artists corresponds to the exhibition layout.

Jana Kurth is a dynamic independent curator, researcher, and consultant, enriching the cultural tapestry of Zurich, Switzerland. Passionate about promoting art that explores gender, identity, human rights, culture, and social change, Jana uses her exhibitions as platforms for dialogue and discovery. Her background as an artist herself, coupled with her extensive managerial expertise in both the non-profit and private sectors, provides her with a nuanced perspective that enriches her curatorial work. Jana’s academic journey includes a master’s degree in Curating from the Zurich University of Applied Arts (ZHdK) and prior studies at the University of Art and Design Lucerne. She also holds a master’s in business administration and management from the University of Rostock, Germany. Each project she undertakes is a commitment to not only display art but to invoke reflection, conversation, and transformation, making art an experiential and thought-provoking encounter. Jana lives this philosophy fully, blending the roles of curator and mother with grace and humor, always making time for her family’s peaceful escapes to the seaside or into the mountains.