International contemporary art platformThe Musée des beaux-arts de La Chaux-de-Fonds in western Switzerland received a donation from Swiss collector Philippe Bodenmann. Initially, the museum believed the gift included 150 works, but after examining unopened portfolios, the total was found to be 218 pieces, according to museum director David Lemaire. This expanded collection is now being exhibited in its entirety for the first time in the show "Voyages en zigzag: La collection de Philippe Bodenmann," which runs until January 3, 2027.
The collection brings together works from several artistic movements, including Anglo-American conceptual art, Zurich Concrete art, and the Swiss Neo-Geo scene. Among the artists represented are Joseph Kosuth, Lawrence Weiner, Royden Rabinowitch, Olivier Mosset, Marcia Hafif, and Günther Förg. The collection is noted for its strength in British conceptual artists who use walking as an artistic practice, especially Hamish Fulton and Richard Long.
Zurich Concrete art, which has historical importance for the museum, is represented by several major paintings by Max Bill. The collection also features Kosuth’s "Intentio (project)," which Lemaire describes as a pivotal work in the artist’s career. This piece introduces changes in scale, the use of color, and a more complex engagement with text compared to Kosuth’s earlier works.
Philippe Bodenmann placed no conditions on the donation. Lemaire described this as an act of great trust in the institution, which Bodenmann has known for more than 40 years. The coherence of the collection was important to Bodenmann, who wanted the works to be kept together as a whole.
The exhibition not only presents the artworks but also carries the memory of exhibitions that have shaped the museum over four decades. The collection extends the museum’s holdings in a way that complements previous donations, such as that of Olivier Mosset, but is distinguished by the perspective of the collector rather than the artist.
Bodenmann himself created paintings early in his career and exhibited twice at the museum’s contemporary art biennials. The collection is seen as both historically and artistically significant, reflecting the exhibitions that have influenced the museum’s identity.
The donation strengthens the museum’s identity and holdings, particularly in Zurich Concrete art, and provides a comprehensive view of several important artistic movements. The exhibition offers visitors the opportunity to engage with a broad range of conceptual and concrete art in a unified presentation.
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