KESSELHAUS

Roman Signer
Kitox Experimental
14 September 2014 – 28 June 2015

Kitfox Experimental is the title of the work that Roman Signer has especially created for the massive cube-shaped Boiler House at KINDL. “Kitfox Experimental” stands for a particular type of aircraft, which the artist uses in his installation. In the publication that accompanies the opening of the show, Roman Signer gives a brief description of his work: “An airplane hangs about four meters above the ground with its nose pointing downward – a lightweight aircraft. Then there are powerful fans on the walls that cause the plane to move, since it is hanging from a joint that can be turned very easily. And so the wind is supposed to cause the airplane to turn, as if it were spinning in a nosedive as it plummeted downward.” Concrete physical experience is an essential component of Roman Signer’s work. The characteristic background noise of the two fans and the non-stop spinning plane lead to a kind of spatial suction that is impossible to resist – both meditative and discomforting, overwhelming and threatening.

Roman Signer’s concept of sculpture includes process and change. His very complex and diverse work again and again takes a look at notions of time, at the transformation of materials, and at the visualization of natural forces. Signer’s artistic oeuvre expands traditional forms of sculpture, and many of his works consider very existential issues with a complete lack of pathos.

Roman Signer, born in 1938 in Appenzell, lives in St. Gallen. His work has been shown in many international solo and group exhibitions.
More information about Roman Signer. 

Curated by Andreas Fiedler

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalogue in cooperation with Kunstmuseum St. Gallen published by Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther König. This publication is designed as a reader, a first collection of texts written at different times by several authors on a variety of themes relating to Signer’s work. Roman Signer, edited by Konrad Bitterli & Andreas Fiedler. St. Gallen/Berlin 2014. Texts by Konrad Bitterli, Andreas Fiedler, Alois Hengartner, Gerhard Mack, Roland Wäspe, Max Wechsler, Harald Welzer, Rachel Withers & Nadia Veronese. Cologne 2014. Text in Geman and English. 
ISBN 978-3-86335-632-3