Retrospective Rolf Knie 2014

Retrospective

The term "retrospective" refers to an artistic look back, an exhibition of works. Specifically in the visual arts, the "retrospective" usually provides a conclusive summary of the overall work of a visual artist. This body of work is put to the test. It is judged, evaluated, and a presumed conclusion is drawn. A comparison may be allowed: renowned stars and actors dip their handprints into wet cement, immortalizing themselves with their signature. Or they are dedicated a star on the "Walk of Fame." It almost seems confusing when experts in their fields are awarded highly praised and well-funded prizes to honor their "lifetime work," as if there is nothing beyond that, as if the zenith has been reached, as if an ultimate, appreciative "thank you" has been found.

For Rolf Knie, it is a heartfelt wish to present facets and works that have never been seen before with his "Retrospective." "An artist should be judged in his entirety," says Knie. This opportunity arises from September 20, 2014, with the "Retrospective" at the Air Force Center in Dübendorf. Knie already celebrated grand successes in 1995 with the exhibition "Halbzeit" in Lausanne and Bern. 90,000 visitors speak for themselves. At the same time, the monograph "Halbzeit – Mi-Temps" was published, which has been sold over 10,000 times. The book's cover text already reads: "It is the happy interim balance of a center forward with great drive and a sense for the goal. An artist who is hardly ever separated from the ball yet shows great effort for the entire team. Pictures from his childhood, drawings from his youth, paintings of the last years – a flow of impressions runs through the book, yet it is only a fraction of the experiences and results that Rolf Knie has to offer. We briefly look back at this halftime to prepare for the next half. But the question is probably allowed: If the first half went so well, what will the next one bring?"

Twenty years later, the answer will be found when Knie presents his impressively extensive portfolio in this "Retrospective." The local galleries, which show Knie's works in their exhibition programs, usually operate with a current focus. The latest works are on display, or they rely on the "classics," primarily his well-known paintings on the chapiteaus. A privilege that Knie still enjoys worldwide as a unique feature. Exhibitions in galleries can only provide testimony of snapshots, intermediate stations. The extensive body of work by Knie may not be adequately represented in that framework.

In the "Retrospective," around 250 paintings, drawings, serigraphs, photographs, and sculptures will be showcased over 1,500 m² at the Air Force Center in Dübendorf. They illustrate and document the extraordinary life of Rolf Knie in a magnificent "total work of art." With stage designer Peter Rothe, an exhibition concept was developed that is unparalleled. One should not expect a conventional exhibition presentation that is cool and museum-like. Innovative and creative, the visitor is guided through the work of Rolf Knie. With great attention to detail, transparency is signaled, because Knie was always personal, emotional, and open. His art is inseparably linked to his biography and a life in the public eye. This remains true today: Visitors of "Salto Natale" or "Ohlala" want to experience Rolf Knie. He meets this desire for presence by appearing, together with his son and circus director Gregory, in the final act of every circus performance on stage. With his new book "Ungeschminkt," Knie reflects remarkably and frees himself from any expectations placed on his art. He is driven, a creative, who follows his impulses. This drive as a gifted drawer and painter is unbroken. To reinvent himself again and again – to be allowed and able to reinvent – is a luxury that Rolf Knie has worked hard for. Ultimately, the quality of Rolf Knie's work is grounded in its authenticity. For the genuine does not live from the impression it makes on others, but from its own authenticity.

Text by Anja Jahns, Munich