Rolf Knie
1. Awards
- 1982 - Rose d'Or: Award for the funniest contribution in the film "Hotel"
- 1995 - German Media Prize: Swiss Artist of the Year
- 2019 - Honorary "Prix Walo": For the lifetime achievement of Rolf Knie
2. Film Acting
- 1982 - Hotel
- 1983 - Die Grafen
- 1986 - Die Schokoladenschnüffler (The Murderer with the Tiger Claw)
- 1986 - Abenteuer im Spielzeugland
- 2014 - A Film by Rolf Knie: 65 Years. Station of His Life
3. Theatre - Stage Productions
- 1984 - 1986 Wir machen Spass. 420 performances
- 1987 - 1990 Charlies Tante. 400 performances
- 2019 - Circus Musical, The Story of a Dynasty for the 100th Anniversary
4. Circus Productions
- 2002 - 2021 Salto Natale: The Circus of Another Kind with Rolf Knie and Gregory Knie
- 2011 - Ohlala-Sexy-Crazy-Artist "Ohlala – The Love Circus"
5. Literature
- Rolf Knie: Rolf Knie. Father, Painter, Clown, Actor, Sculptor. Circus-The Foundation
- Self-published, St. Gallen 1989, ISBN 3-8596-5025-9 (incorrect ISBN).
- Rolf Knie: Exposition, La Tour Eiffel, Paris 24.5. 1991, Roger Peyrefitte and Patrick-Gilles Persin, Vaduz: FKG, 1991
- Rolf Knie: Halbzeit, H. + F. Leupi, Reiden 1995, ISBN 3-9520885-0-1.
- Rolf Knie: Karussell - Rolf Knie. Fritz Kaiser Group, Vaduz 2001, ISBN 88-85118-47-X.
- Rolf Knie: Catalogue Raisonné, Print Graphics, Bronze, Multiples, Walter-Karl Walde, Benteli Verlag 2008, ISBN 978-3-7165-1495-5
- Rolf Knie: Ungeschminkt, Thomas Renggli, 2014, ISBN 978-3-033-04459-3
6. TV Appearances
- Ken Dodd Show in England
- Teleboy
- Benissimo
- Wetten dass
- Am laufenden Band
- Countless appearances in the German-speaking region
7. Weblinks
- Rolf Knie Shop
- Website of Salto Natale
- Website of Knie the Circus Musical
- Website of Ohlala
65 Years of Rolf Knie in Film: From Birth to 65 Years of Fun and Humor
1st Part 30min 1949 - 1984
2nd Part 30min 1985 - 2014
Biography of Rolf Knie
See Wikipedia
My Life, je sais
2022
Rolf Knie bids farewell and hands over 100% of Salto Natale to his son Gregory.
How quickly beautiful moments pass.
See the video below.
See the video below.
Timeline of Exhibitions
2021
Despite the challenges of Corona, Rolf Knie successfully presents Salto Natale "Maskerade."
2020
Rolf Knie takes a Corona break.
Many expressive works are created.
Corona - Covid-19 - caught us all off guard. Some in terms of health, others financially. The shutdown is loosened, and Switzerland can afford this. Not least because we are a reasonable, considerate people. We have learned over generations to follow laws and recommendations.
Corona - Covid-19 - caught us all off guard. Some in terms of health, others financially. The shutdown is loosened, and Switzerland can afford this. Not least because we are a reasonable, considerate people. We have learned over generations to follow laws and recommendations.
This prompted me to organize a joyful vernissage shortly after the end of the shutdown, featuring the paintings created during the Corona period. IT WAS NOT TO BE A NORMAL VERNISSAGE. Music, bagpipe formation, artists, and food. Free entry. The joy of life that was partly taken from us should, like the "Böögg" in Zurich, be bid farewell. My advice for the moment: Stay away from negative people, they have a problem for every solution. Viva la vida. Long live life.
2019
Rolf Knie receives the Honorary Prix Walo for his lifetime achievement.
Rolf Knie turns his back on painting in Mallorca after 30 years.
Successful world premiere.
After three years of intensive preparation, on March 12, 2019, the world premiere of the Circus Musical took place successfully.
- The story of a dynasty!
Rolf Knie is the producer, author, and director.
It performs in Dübendorf, Bern, and Basel.
Salto Natale celebrates its 17th program "Fantasia" with much applause.
Solo Exhibitions
- Casa D’Arte, Ascona, Switzerland
- Art Fischbach, Bremgarten, Switzerland
- Rolf Knie Gallery, Rapperswil, Switzerland
.jpg)
2018
Salto Natale with the program "Esprit"
Rolf Knie was able to engage the singer Patric Scott.
Solo Exhibitions
- Casa D’Arte, Ascona, Switzerland
- Art Fischbach, Bremgarten, Switzerland
- Rolf Knie Gallery, Rapperswil, Switzerland
2017
New works created with black fat markers, like never before seen from Rolf Knie.
Salto Natale's additional program "Fuego" with comedian Peter Pfändler and singer Patric Scott.
Solo Exhibitions
- Casa D’Arte, Ascona, Switzerland
- Art Fischbach, Bremgarten, Switzerland
- Rolf Knie Gallery, Rapperswil, Switzerland
2016
Rolf Knie returns to his roots and opens a new gallery in Rapperswil.
The latest works, along with pieces from all eras of his creative journey, are exhibited.
Solo Exhibitions
- Casa D’Arte, Ascona, Switzerland
- Art Fischbach, Bremgarten, Switzerland
- Rolf Knie Gallery, Rapperswil, Switzerland
2015
In his new paintings from 2015, Knie explicitly returns to the circus ring. With clear contours, he outlines the events in narrow and exceptionally confident ink strokes.
Rolf Knie dares to integrate singer Linda Fäh into the Salto Natale Circus program "Traumfänger." This marks the beginning of a great career.
Solo Exhibitions
- Atelier Reichlin & Co. Küssnacht am Rigi, Switzerland
- Galerie im Chalet, Alchenflüh, Switzerland
- Casa D’Arte, Ascona, Switzerland
- Rolf Knie Gallery, St.Gallenkappel, Switzerland
2014
Rolf Knie travels to Thailand and creates the successful life-size elephant sculptures with great sensitivity and attention to detail, as well as small series.
In September, for his 65th birthday, the book "Ungeschminkt" is published, and the large successful exhibition "Retrospective" takes place.
Solo Exhibitions
- Atelier Reichlin & Co. Küssnacht am Rigi, Switzerland
- Galerie im Chalet, Alchenflüh, Switzerland
- AHOY! Port Gallery Port Adriano, Santa Ponsa, Mallorca, Spain
- Retrospective Rolf Knie, Dübendorf, Switzerland
2013
New paintings, new phase, new country: Rolf Knie (63) aims to conquer the Middle Kingdom. For the first time, the artist will exhibit in China, at the prestigious "Yang Gallery" in Beijing starting in September. "China is an important market for me," says Knie.
Ohlala - The Love Circus, the 3rd program by Gregory and Rolf Knie.
International artists, singers, dancers, entertainers, and quirky uniques artfully celebrate their interpretation of love. Sometimes daring and provocative, other times sensual and seductive. This creative spectacle ignites desire, electrifies the senses, and fuels fantasies. Welcome to the sinful and beautiful world of Ohlala – The Love Circus.
Salto Natale Fabuloso Theme, mythical creatures, myths, and surreal figures. With the 11th program "Fabuloso," this year was filled with amazement, laughter, and dreams. Over 70 artists and performers from 12 nations bring wonderful energies, performances, lights, and sounds together on stage.
This year's guest star is the "Deutschland sucht den Superstar" winner Luca Hänni, who will delight you with his singing talents.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie im Chalet, Alchenflüh, Switzerland
- Atelier Reichlin & Co. Küssnacht am Rigi, Switzerland
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona, Switzerland
- Pius Fischbach, Schinznach Bad, Switzerland
- Galerie für zeitgenössische Kunst, Prien am Chiemsee, Germany
- Yang Gallery, Beijing, China
2012
Alongside the 10th anniversary of the Winter Circus Salto Natale, powerful paintings are created in Mallorca, rich in detail. New worlds by Rolf Knie. Meticulously depicted subjects created with a watchmaker’s loupe.
Ohlala - The Love Circus, the 2nd program by Gregory and Rolf Knie.
Ohlala retells the timeless story of love in a new and different dimension. The artists and performers are presented in a seductive atmosphere, telling the story of love in a sensual, light, artistic, amusing, and acrobatic way.
Salto Natale Sternfänger, the circus of another kind by Gregory and Rolf Knie, brings the stars down from the sky this year! They catch them and let them shine brightly in the Chapiteau of Salto Natale for the 10th anniversary.
Gregory and Rolf Knie are already working intensively on putting together the new show "Sternfänger," so by November, a wonderful celestial formation will emerge – with a wonderful star shower to be captured.
Alongside the 10th anniversary of the Winter Circus Salto Natale, powerful paintings are created in Mallorca, rich in detail. New worlds by Rolf Knie. Meticulously depicted subjects created with a watchmaker’s loupe.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie im Chalet, Alchenflüh
- Atelier Reichlin & Co. Küssnacht am Rigi
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
- Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
- Nievergelt Buch & Kunst, Zürich
2011
Ohlala - The Love Circus, is the name of the new program by Gregory and Rolf Knie.
Good News and Bad News
They did it. With great enthusiasm, imagination, finesse, and style, Gregory and Rolf Knie have staged their Love Circus over the past months, with a large audience turnout and many compliments.
The bad news: The unique and surprising show had its final performance on October 2nd!
The good news: "Let's do it again." The circus love gifts of Gregory and Rolf Knie will return.
Salto Natale Herzblut is the name of this year's successful program. "What doesn't come from the heart doesn't reach the heart," as the circus proverb goes. This credo is fully lived by Gregory and Rolf Knie in the production of their 9th Winter Circus when selecting the new artists.
Rolf Knie let his brush run wild on Mallorca, and many subjects were created under the Chapiteau that found great success in the market.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie im Chalet, Alchenflüh
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
- Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
2010
Salto Natale Wunschwelt is the name of this year's successful program. There were more audience members and standing ovations than ever before at Salto Natale this year.
Rolf Knie let his brush run wild on Mallorca, and many subjects were created under the Chapiteau that found great success in the market.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie im Chalet, Alchenflüh
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
- Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
2009
The popular Swiss artist celebrated his 60th birthday in August 2009. Many people would consider this a milestone in their development, even feeling the urge to change something in their lives. Rolf Knie is different: For him, life is a constant evolution. He enjoys jumping back and forth between the ring of his Christmas circus "Salto Natale" and his personal painting studio. Constantly slipping into different roles, trying new things, laughing, living, questioning, and being creative – that's Rolf Knie. In the past two years, the Swiss artist worked with acrylics, charcoal, glue paints, and fat chalk on lithographed circus posters from the 1930s and 50s. In his current works, the beloved circus tent returns as a canvas. Following his urge for change, Rolf Knie found inspiration in Mallorca from new subjects like chimpanzees, giraffes, zebras, and rhinoceroses.
The annual spectacle Salto Natale opens its tents this year with the new program "Nostalgia"
Solo Exhibitions
- Schloss Bümpliz, Bern
- Art Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
2008
Rolf Knie is full of energy again, and with the program Salto Natale "Elegance", Rolf Knie and Gregory celebrated great successes in Vaduz, Zurich, Bern, and Lucerne.
New painting technique/collages were created using rare Circus Knie posters from the 1930s-50s.
Solo Exhibitions
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
- Massena-Scheune, Schinznach-Bad
- Art Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
2007
Rolf Knie retreats to Mallorca for most of the year to develop new large-scale artistic projects.
Salto Natale enchants the audience with "Synfunia."
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Nievergelt, Zurich
2006
Great honor for Rolf Knie:
At the invitation of Princess Stephanie of Monaco, he exhibits his works as part of the anniversary "30th Festival International du Cirque" in Monte Carlo.
A catalog is created featuring 20 other artists who predominantly dedicate their work to the circus. Rolf Knie also designs the official poster of the festival and a commemorative stamp for the principality.
Salto Natale with the program "Circomania" was met with great acclaim.
Solo Exhibitions
- Pinakothek "Altes Rathaus Bad Ragaz"/Otto Schneider, Bad Ragaz
- Schloss Bümpliz, Bern
- Art Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
2005
As an integral part of the cultural pre-Christmas program, Salto Natale was to be established.
In line with this theme, Rolf Knie served as the patron of the third production Anagramma. Together with his son Gregory and Russian directors Oleg Izossimov and Vadim Tuschinski, the show was able to captivate the audience.
The painting was not neglected either. Numerous exhibitions took place both in Switzerland and abroad.
Solo Exhibitions
- Casa d'Arte, Ascona
- Massena-Scheune, Schinznach-Bad/Art Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
2004
Rolf Knie divides his time between Salto Natale, with the program Vaganzia, which brought 150,000 spectators and great success, and the creation of powerful paintings that were shown at various exhibitions.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Nievergelt, Zurich
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
2003
Rolf Knie's father, Fredy Knie Sr., passed away after a prolonged illness.
Many exhibitions were held this year, which were well attended.
Solo Exhibitions
- Exhibition Galerie Rapperswil
- Exhibition Galerie Jean Guaita in Palma's Old Town
- Vernissage Arndean Gallery, London
- Vernissage Galerie Reichlin, Küssnacht
- Exhibition at Hotel Montreux Palace, Montreux
- Vernissage, Galerie Kunsthandlung Springmann, Freiburg
2002
Opening of his own gallery in the former armory in Rapperswil and the founding of the Winter Circus Salto Natale Chamäleon with his son Gregory.
Solo Exhibitions
- Opening of the Rolf Knie Gallery in Rapperswil
- Galerie Bianchi, Aarau
- Massena-Scheune, Schinznach Bad/Art Pius Fischbach, Bremgarten
2001
At the invitation of Europapark in Rust, Rolf Knie presents a large retrospective of his body of work at the Eurodom: circus paintings, bullfight series, portraits of women, drawings and watercolors, as well as the most important graphics and sculptures.
Over 13,500 visitors attended the retrospective in the Mario Botta tent.
Another book about Rolf Knie's "Karussell" is published. He also designs a first series of postage stamps for the Principality of Monaco.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Nievergelt, Zurich
- Retrospective at Eurodome Europapark Rust/Galerie Springmann, Freiburg im Breisgau
- Atelier Stampa, Chur
- Galerie Joy, Zurich
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
2000
Alongside regular exhibitions, Rolf Knie re-engages with the theater and circus world, collaborating closely with Munich stage designer Peter Rothe for the retrospective at Eurodom, Rust.
Directed and participated in Circus Himmel auf Erden in Zurich.
Released the Magic Stars postage stamps, Monte Carlo.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Bianchi, Unterentfelden
- Scheidegger Art Center, Richterswil
- Retrospective at August Deusser Museum/Schloss Bad Zurzach
- Paul Lüdin Kunsthandel und Galerie, Basel
- Galerie M, Althenrein
- Galerie Frank Pages, Baden-Baden
- Arndean Gallery, London/CJ Corporate Art
- "Der unbekannte Knie", Kunstagentur alpha artists, Bremgarten
- Galerie Catherine Niederhauser, Lausanne
1999
First participation in the Miami Art Fair in Florida. Rolf Knie creates the Star Trophy for the Prix Walo, the most important award for Swiss entertainment artists. Begins collaboration with Swiss print specialist Walo Steiner. Lithographs are created from zinc plates, textured foil, and fine art prints. Also designs his own jewelry collection with Madrid-based jewelry designer Chus Bures.
Solo Exhibitions
- Joan Guaita Art, Palma de Mallorca
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Galerie Knie & Leupi, Ascona
1998
Solo Exhibitions
- Contemporary Art Gallery, Zurich
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Museum Exhibition Isole di Brissago
1997
Walt Disney entrusts Rolf Knie with the design of the costumes for the Animal Kingdom Park in Orlando, Florida, which opens the following year with the "March of the Animals" concept created by Rolf Knie.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Knie & Leupi, Ascona
- Atelier Reichlin & Co., Küssnacht am Rigi
- Exhibition Event at Altenrhein Airfield/Herbert Lindemann, Altenrhein
1996
Designed the anniversary poster for the 30th Montreux Jazz Festival. Participated in the Festival of Arts, Singapore. The book "Rolf Knie's Wild World" was created. Through his acquaintance with Italian printmaker Renzo Nucara in Bergamo, Rolf Knie explores new dimensions in printmaking techniques. Serigraphs were created on acrylic glass, wood, corrugated cardboard, and circus tents, as well as the first graphics with extruded paint application (relief colors).
Solo Exhibitions
- Paul Lüdin Kunsthandel und Galerie, Basel
- Singapore Festival of Arts, Singapore
- Christian Zeller Fine Arts, Bern
- Joan Guaita Art, Palma de Mallorca
1995
Successful retrospective exhibitions "Halbzeit/Mi-temps" with over 90,000 visitors in Lausanne and Baden. Accompanying the exhibitions, a 500-page monograph titled "Halbzeit" was published, providing a retrospective of the first 45 years. At the Frankfurt Book Fair, it was awarded as one of the three best art books with a linen cover. The book "Halbzeit" sold over 10,000 copies.
Additionally, Rolf Knie received the award "Swiss Artist of the Year" at the 1995 German Media Prize. In collaboration with Spanish sculptor Miguel Sarasate, monumental iron sculptures were created. Poster design for CSI, Zurich.
Solo Exhibitions
- Retrospective "Mi-temps", Comptoir Suisse, Lausanne
- Retrospective "Halbzeit", ABB-Hallen, Baden
1994
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie 63, Klosters
- St. Galler Kantonalbank, St. Gallen
- Galerie Springmann, Freiburg im Breisgau
- Circulo de Bellas Artes, Palma de Mallorca
- Christian Zeller Fine Arts, Bern
- Hotela, Montreux
- Joan Guaita Art, Palma de Mallorca
1993
Large international exhibitions in Monte Carlo, Madrid, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Mexico City.
Solo Exhibitions
- Camino Real, Mexico City
- Galerie Goetz, Stuttgart
- Galerie Rathaus, Vaduz
- Joan Guaita Art, Palma de Mallorca
- Minotaur's Forum Gallery, Las Vegas
- Christian Zeller Fine Arts, Bern
- Galerie Artefides, Lucerne
- Commerzbank, Waldshut
- Hanson Galleries, Los Angeles
1992
Rolf marries the Portuguese circus artist Anabela Lorador-Rodriguez.
Design of a series of postage stamps for PTT at the initiative of Jean Tinguely.
Poster design for the horse race in Dielsdorf/ZH.
Design of the Christmas card for the 30th anniversary of Garage Foitek AG, Zurich.
Solo Exhibitions
- Maison de l'Amérique Latine de Monaco, Monte-Carlo
- Joan Guaita Art, Palma de Mallorca
- Galerie Frank Pages, Baden-Baden
- Galerie Ynguanzo, Madrid
- Galerie Goetz, Basel
1991
At the same time as his highly acclaimed exhibition at the "Espace" on the Eiffel Tower, his works were also shown at the "Salon d'Automne" in Paris. A thematic focus on large-format portraits and images of women.
Solo Exhibitions
- Exposition à la Tour Eiffel, Paris
1990
The move to Mallorca inspires Rolf Knie's first works on the Spanish corrida. Rolf Knie now focuses exclusively on visual arts.
First graphic editions on Plexiglass.
Vernissage with 30 artists, Hotel de Choiseul Praslin, in Paris.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Claudio Righetti, Muri
1988 - 1989
- Founding of the Swiss section of the Ethiopia Aid Organization "Menschen für Menschen" with Karl-Heinz Böhm.
- Publication of the first monograph on Rolf Knie, "Circus - die Basis."
- First serigraphs created in the studio of Viktor Peterka, Rapperswil.
Solo Exhibitions
- Kulturverein Schilleroper, Hamburg
- Galerie Goetz, Stuttgart
1987
Main actor in the play "Charley's Aunt" with over 430 performances. 172,000 viewers in Switzerland and Germany attended these shows. Alongside acting, intense focus on painting and printmaking.
First contacts with iron sculptor Jean Tinguely. A friendship develops with extensive correspondence.
Solo Exhibitions
- Winterthur Versicherungen, Zurich
1986
Theater tour through Germany and Austria.
Solo Exhibitions
- Wohngalerie Grogg, Hägendorf
- Galerie Glashus, Zug
1985
First international exhibition at Galerie Ruf, Munich.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Ruf, Munich
- Galerie Casa Lei, Lenzerheide
- Zürich Versicherungen, Jona
1984
Last performance as a clown at the Vienna Stadthalle. Collaboration with Czech director Jiri Menzel. The play "Wir machen Spass" (premiere at Schauspielhaus Zürich) with Gaston, Pipo, and Valentina is performed over 500 times (including at Schauspielhaus Bochum, Thalia-Theater Hamburg, Volkstheater Munich, Stadttheater Basel). Over 200,000 spectators attended the performances.
Solo Exhibitions
- Berowergut, Riehen
1983
Two-year leave from the Swiss National Circus. First attempts with the technique of lithography under the guidance of printer Hans Bonfa at the Wolfensberger studio in Zurich.
Solo Exhibitions
- Migros Kulturverein, Schaffhausen
1982
2nd film follows "Die Grafen" (directed by Max Sieber)
1981
Debut as an actor in the television film "Hotel" (directed by Max Sieber). Awarded the Chaplin Prize at the Festival de la Rose d'Or in Montreux.
Solo Exhibitions
- Galerie Hôtel de Ville, Geneva
1980
First solo exhibition at St. James' Fine Art Cabinet in Zurich, as well as the publication of the first graphic edition.
Solo Exhibitions
- St. James' Fine Art Cabinet, Zurich
1978
Rolf Knie begins drawing and painting the circus world. The first naturalistic watercolors are created. Hans Falk inspires the self-taught artist towards artistic independence.
1977
Acquaintance with the renowned Swiss artist Hans Falk, who accompanied the National Circus from 1977-1980. Friendship with comedian Emil Steinberger through his guest tour at Circus Knie. On October 9th, the birth of his son Gregory.
1973
Acquaintance with the clown Gaston Häni. They perform together as a clown duo, including appearances on TV shows such as "Wetten dass..." with Frank Elstner, "Laufenden Band" with Rudi Carrell, and "Verstehen Sie Spass" with Kurt Felix. Marriage to Erica Brosi.
1968
After dropping out of business school, Rolf Knie joins Circus Knie, performing as an equestrian artist and animal trainer for elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and hippopotamuses.
1966
Further education at the Juventus business school in Zurich. At the same time, Rolf Knie plays for the junior team of FC Zurich. Selected for the junior national team.
1962
Begins secondary school at the Kaltbrunn boarding school (Canton of St. Gallen).
1955
At the age of 7, he meets Karl Heinz Böhm.
Later, this acquaintance develops into a great friendship.
1949 - 1955
Born on August 16th in Bern. His mother, Pierette Dubois, is a 17-time Swiss tennis champion and 10-time Swiss champion in ice dancing. His father, Fredy Knie Sr., is the director of the Swiss National Circus Gebrüder Knie. Rolf, his brother Fredy, and his cousins Franco and Louis belong to the sixth generation of the Swiss circus dynasty.
Childhood in the circus. Tours throughout Switzerland.
.jpg)
