An art collective has hacked into the controversial Bührle Collection exhibition at the Kunsthaus Zurich museum. It replaced written information accessible to visitors by QR code with critical comments about the provenance of the works on display.
These codes do not take readers to the provenance research carried out by the Bührle Foundation, but to the online site of the KKKK art collective, which hacked them. The hacking was discovered at the weekend.
For example, the pirated QR code for Cézanne’s “Boy in the Red Waistcoat” links to a commentary denouncing the fact that Emil Bührle profited twice from the Nazi regime: he made a fortune from his arms dealings with Nazi Germany and also took advantage of the distress of Jewish art collectors, persecuted by the Nazis, to build up his own collectionExternal link.
Historians do not dispute this version of events. However, the Kunsthaus has never presented them so clearly.
More
More
Switzerland says sorry!
This content was published on
In a new satirical video format, Swiss comedian and director Patrick Karpiczenko apologises for Switzerland’s transgressions.
In addition to the Cézanne painting, KKKK lists four other paintings and their stories on its websiteExternal link. With the help of sources, the collective shows how these works came to be in the Bührle collection. It compares this research with the museum’s own communication via QR codes.
The Kunsthaus has repeatedly been criticised for not providing sufficient information about the Bührle Collection’s problematic past. According to SRF, the KKKK collective comprises artists and journalists, two of whom have already written for the weekly magazine WOZ on the subject of sensitive provenance.
An independent panel of historians has previously called the situation at the Kunsthaus Zurich an “affront” to victims of Nazi looting.
More
More
Nazi-looted art: Is the Kunsthaus Zurich a ‘tainted museum’?
This content was published on
The new extension of Zurich’s fine art museum opens this weekend with the Bührle collection. A controversial choice for some.
In March, the museum introduced a new provenance research strategy for works in the Bührle Collection. An independent international commission of experts is taking part in this work. A systematic and in-depth examination of the collection is currently underway.
From November 3, the Kunsthaus will present a new overview of the controversial collection. It will focus on the historical context and take a critical look at the collection, made up of 203 works.
Quellenberg said the Kunsthaus was actively seeking contact with the KKKK collective. As part of the exhibition, there will “possibly” be an opportunity to discuss the positions of these and other activists, he said.
Emil G. Bührle, who died in 1956, became one of Switzerland’s richest men by selling arms – to Nazi Germany in particular. His collection of art has been on permanent loan to the Kunsthaus Zurich since 2021.
More
More
‘There’s a lot of Nazi-looted art in Switzerland’
This content was published on
The author of a book on the Gurlitt collection talks about the “web of deceit and silence” surrounding it plus the legal and moral situation.
This content was published on
The Geneva-based International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and partners are opening a field hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday.
Lack of smartphone sustainability in Switzerland hits environment
This content was published on
Almost half of all Swiss citizens hang on to their old smartphones, tablets and laptops, according to the Federal Statistical Office.
Police clear out pro-Palestinian students protesting in Geneva
This content was published on
The police intervened early on Tuesday to dislodge pro-Palestinian students who had been occupying the University of Geneva for almost a week.
New gel developed in Zurich renders alcohol harmless
This content was published on
A newly developed gel composed of whey proteins breaks down alcohol in the body and could reduce its harmful and intoxicating effects in humans.
Pro-Palestine protests extend to Basel and Fribourg universities
This content was published on
Demonstrators called for an academic boycott of all Israeli institutions and disassociation with Chaim Weizmann, the first Israeli president.
This content was published on
In many cases, China's use of AI undermines the national security of the US and its allies, according to a US government representative.
Swiss Hells Angels trial alleges rape and money laundering
This content was published on
An allegedly high-ranking member of the Hells Angels is accused of money laundering totalling millions and rape, among other serious crimes.
SWISS is airline ‘group flagship’ says Lufthansa boss
This content was published on
Despite challenges, Lufthansa and its most important subsidiary, Swiss International Airlines, promise increased satisfaction and continued growth.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Nazi-looted art: Zurich museum and foundation agree to more transparency
This content was published on
The Kunsthaus Zurich and the Bührle Foundation say they will disclose their contracts concerning the loan of 203 works of art.
An ‘affront’: researchers react to the Bührle Collection in the Kunsthaus Zürich
This content was published on
The Bührle collection and Kunsthaus Zurich face mounting pressure from organisations and researchers about an exhibition featuring Nazi-looted works.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.