True Passion Doesn’t Need the Spotlight
Rolf Knie on the secret of timeless presence.
What truly defines an artist? In this personal video, Rolf Knie shares his reflections on showmanship and what really matters on stage. While modern productions often rely on high-tech effects, a visit with Peter Kraus demonstrates that genuine excitement is born from something else entirely.
Watch now and let yourself be swept away by the energy!
Back to My School Days: A Very Special Reunion on Two Wheels
I’m beaming from ear to ear! The reason for my immense joy is this black cult-classic moped. It’s my original Solex, which I rode every day to the Juventus school in Zurich during my youth – and now it shines in new splendor.
A huge thank you goes to Raffi Koch, who restored my Solex with incredible attention to detail and made it roadworthy once again. To me, it’s not just a moped; it’s a time machine back to the carefree days of my youth.
Watch the video to see for yourself as I sputter off on my first nostalgic joyride!
A dazzling premiere in the mirror tent
A dazzling premiere in the mirror tent
Rolf Knie celebrated a sold-out premiere of his Salon Spectacle at the Bloom Area in Rapperswil – filled with stars, acrobatics and culinary delights – zuerich24.ch
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Witnesses in Fabric – Old Tents, New Paintings
Once a year, I cut up old Circus Knie tents. They are chapiteaux from the 1950s and 1960s.
Witnesses that served for many decades. Until the 1970s they were made of cotton; after that, they were switched to plastic. In my painting, the story and authenticity begin with the painting ground.
Under these tents, I performed at Circus Knie from 1967–1983.
Charley’s Aunt
A huge thank you to our wonderful audience!
The closing night of “Charley’s Aunt” at the Entra was an unforgettable, emotional evening—filled with laughter, applause, lots of heart … and tears.
Together, we celebrated a dignified and moving stage farewell for Rolf Knie. His unique presence, his humor, and his passion made every performance an experience. We are deeply grateful for the many beautiful moments, your strong attendance, and your enthusiasm. Thank you for being part of this special journey and for sending Rolf Knie off with such warmth.
It was more than just theater—it was a celebration of life.
Impressions of Charley's Aunt
Large Exhibition with Rolf Knie Present
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Rolf Knie will present his latest works and many new gift items.
Upon entering Rolf Knie's gallery, you immediately feel as if you are in a museum-like world: life stories, clowns, and performers uniquely depicted by Rolf Knie.
Come by and let yourself be surprised!
Rolf Knie will be present from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
Rolf Knie Gallery
Rütistrasse 165
8645 Rapperswil-Jona
Rütistrasse 165
8645 Rapperswil-Jona
Casa d'Arte - The Gallery for Contemporary Art in Ascona
Rolf Knie 2024
Exhibition featuring the latest paintings starting Saturday, October 5, at 4:00 PM (Vernissage)
The artist Rolf Knie will be present.
The artist Rolf Knie will be present.
Un cordiale benvenuto!
1st Guest Exhibition in the Rolf Knie Gallery
KRAUS - KNIE
Vernissage with the Presence of the Artists
Saturday, June 15, starting at 10:00 AM with food and drinks
Talk - Matinee at 11:00 AM
Saturday, June 15, starting at 10:00 AM with food and drinks
Talk - Matinee at 11:00 AM
with Rolf Knie, Mike Kraus, and Peter Kraus
Through a long-standing friendship with Peter Kraus, we became aware of the extraordinary talent of Mike. We are proud to present him for the first time in a joint exhibition here in Switzerland. Experience the remarkably harmonious fusion of our works!
Through a long-standing friendship with Peter Kraus, we became aware of the extraordinary talent of Mike. We are proud to present him for the first time in a joint exhibition here in Switzerland. Experience the remarkably harmonious fusion of our works!
We are also very pleased to welcome Peter Kraus and his wife Ingrid on this special evening and warmly invite you to be part of this event! Artistic and creative, imaginative and fantastic, Knie and Kraus.
Dear Journalists,
We are pleased to invite you to the unveiling of the new sculpture by the renowned artist and club member Rolf Knie. Golf Gerre Losone is excited to announce that the event will take place on June 10, 2024, at 11 AM at hole 12 of our prestigious Club Gerre Losone – a wonderful fusion of art and nature.
Program
Location: Golf Gerre Losone, Via alle Gerre 5, 6616 Losone
Welcome: Tuesday, June 10, 2024, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Presentation: Rolf Knie 11:30 - 12:00 PM
Aperitif: Buca 9 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Standing Dinner: MIRA Restaurant & Terrace 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Golf Clinic: Academy & TrackMan Range * 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Welcome: Tuesday, June 10, 2024, 11:00 - 11:30 AM
Presentation: Rolf Knie 11:30 - 12:00 PM
Aperitif: Buca 9 12:00 - 12:30 PM
Standing Dinner: MIRA Restaurant & Terrace 12:30 - 2:00 PM
Golf Clinic: Academy & TrackMan Range * 2:00 - 3:30 PM
* For those wishing to have an introduction to golf, there will be a 'Discover Golf' clinic with our professionals (pros), subject to registration at: info@golflosone.ch
We look forward to celebrating this wonderful fusion of art and nature together. We invite journalists and media representatives to attend the event, which will also be an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our club and its offerings. The inauguration ceremony will include brief speeches, a tour of the statue, and refreshments for all guests.
To confirm your attendance or to receive further information, please contact our club at:
marketing@golflosone.ch
Best regards,
Ennio Losa
Direttore Golf Gerre Losone
Golf Gerre Losone
Direttore Golf Gerre Losone
Golf Gerre Losone
Review of Charley’s Aunt 2024 – A Resounding Success!
The first eight performances of Charley’s Aunt were a resounding success, creating a lively atmosphere and hearty laughter, just like 35 years ago.
Visitors are thrilled and express their praise – a theater evening to remember!
Joy Abounds
Rolf Knie Gallery Nominated for the Swiss Location Award 2024
The location has been nominated for the Swiss Location Award 2024 by organizers, visitors, and/or eventlokale.ch, the largest event portal in Switzerland.
"We are thrilled to have been nominated for the Swiss Location Award 2024, putting us in the running for the most prestigious award in the events industry. We now hope for the support of our organizers and visitors, so that we can receive many positive reviews during the upcoming evaluation phase of the award," says Brigitte Neeser from the Rolf Knie Gallery team.
From May 1 to 31, organizers, event professionals, visitors, and guests can rate the nominated locations on eventlokale.ch. Together with the assessment of an independent expert jury, this will result in the overall outcome. The award ceremony will take place on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.
On November 5, 2022, the Rolf Knie Gallery opened its doors with the inauguration of the museum-like
–LA BELLE EPOQUE-
Clowns and performers, circus animals, and other popular circus motifs captivate visitors. Rolf Knie's paintings on chapiteau are unique worldwide. These are old circus tents made of fabric that the artist uses as a canvas.
Unconventional Artworks
The idea to use this extraordinary painting surface came to him rather accidentally: while painting outdoors, he ran out of paper to continue. Impatient, he grabbed an old tent patch and discovered that it was wonderful to paint on.
Now, his works on the old tent fabric have become a distinctive feature of the artist. He often incorporates metal-reinforced eyelets, hanging ropes, or sewn reinforcements into his works. This results in unconventional artworks that appear more as three-dimensional object images than as paintings.
Permanent Exhibition in Jona
Would you also like to be enchanted by the fantastical world of the circus? It couldn’t be easier! Rolf Knie's permanent exhibition in Jona is open to the public, and admission is free.
Let cheerful clowns bring a smile to your face, explore the world of proud circus animals, and admire the brave acrobats and performers! In approximately 400 square meters, you can discover elephants, zebras, tigers, monkeys, lions, horses, and much more. If a painting is sold, it is promptly replaced with a new one, ensuring constant variety and surprises.
Not only individual visitors and families benefit here; groups and school classes are also warmly welcomed and can learn about the history of the artworks and the artist through a guided tour.
Sepp Blatter has been acquitted of all charges by the Federal Criminal Court.
The Swiss Federal Court has once again embarrassed itself.
For years, it has been known that Sepp Blatter is innocent, yet the court took seven years to reach this conclusion.
It is not flattering for Switzerland how Sepp Blatter has been treated over the last few years. With what dignity and composure has Sepp Blatter endured all the falsehoods, accusations, and defamation. Truly a great personality!
He is one of the best managers of our time, having made FIFA what it is today.
It is the football associations around the world that benefit, not Blatter.
Switzerland, and particularly the city of Zurich, also benefits.
He is a man of honor, a gentleman, and a witty character.
History will look kindly upon him.
Switzerland, and particularly the city of Zurich, also benefits.
He is a man of honor, a gentleman, and a witty character.
History will look kindly upon him.
A toast to Sepp Blatter and a big thank you for everything he has achieved.
Rolf Knie
Joy Abounds!
The Rolf Knie Art Gallery is officially one of the best experience locations in Switzerland.
Do you want to host an event in a small, personal setting including an aperitif?
Then you are in the right place with us. Contact us with your wishes at
info(at)rolfknie.ch
28,346 organizers, visitors, and an independent expert jury have decided as part of this year's Swiss Location Awards: The Rolf Knie Art Gallery is among the best experience locations in Switzerland!
The gallery team is extremely pleased that the location received a score of 8.7 out of 10 points at the Swiss Location Award 2022 and was awarded the Quality Seal of Excellence. "The award shows us that our work is appreciated by organizers and visitors and motivates us to continue giving our best at every event so that our guests can have an unforgettable experience with us," says Rolf Knie, owner of the Rolf Knie Art Gallery.
Here’s an overview of all the locations awarded at the Swiss Location Award 2022:
Where Have the Clowns Gone?
In the past, clown performances were one of the major attractions at Circus Knie. Today, the market situation is challenging. Rolf Knie notes a lack of variety and alternatives: "The traditional good clown acts no longer exist. You have to bring comedians from the theater. In the circus, this tradition is nearly extinct."
The problem reflects the changing landscape of the international show business. In the past, many renowned circuses existed in Europe – five permanent ones alone in Paris. Consequently, there was significant competition and a high standard among comedians and clowns. "Today, finding good clown acts takes a long time. There is a lack of new talent," says Knie.
Rolf Knie's Last Performance
Rolf Knie's last performance in Salto Natale 2021
With humility and joy, I reflect on the 20 years with Circus Salto Natale.
I was able to create a circus of a different kind, alongside a wonderful, professional team. A big thank you.??
Creativity helped me, serving as the ticket to a circus future. Imagination has always been more important to me than knowledge.
Nothing harms the imagination more than a secure existence. I became aware of this after leaving my family business.
Now it is time to pass on the torch. As they say:
The king is dead, long live the king. Gregory.
Rolf Knie's letzter Auftritt
Rolf Knie's letzter Auftritt im Salto Natale 2021 https://youtu.be/kOABzxcWuuM
Mit Demut und Glücksgefühlen blicke ich auf die 20 Jahre mit Circus Salto Natale zurück.
Ich konnte einen Circus der anderen Art kreieren.
Dies mit einem wunderbaren, professionellem Team.
Ein grosses Dankeschön.??
Dabei half mir die Kreativität, die die Eintrittskarte für die circensische Zukunft war. Fantasie war mir immer wichtiger wie Wissen.
Nichts schadet der Fantasie mehr wie eine gesicherte Existenz.
Das wurde mir nach dem Abgang aus meinem elterlichen Unternehmen bewusst.
Nun ist es Zeit zu übergeben. Wie heisst es:
Der König ist tot, es lebe der König. Gregory