A year in art: UBS Art Collection new acquisitions

Gender dynamics, climate change and positivity – just some of the themes explored by the latest acquisitions to the UBS Art Collection. All created in 2022, these works by female artists encompass a snapshot of our world today.

Evoking Positivity

One of Switzerland's visionary artists, Pipilotti Rist’s sensory works transport the viewer to an eccentric alternate reality.

Continuously experimenting with new technologies, Rist created this work using a round monitor containing swirling forms reminiscent of dancing pixels, spinning particles or orbiting planets.

Complete with a quirky title, Ein gnädiger Schicksalskuchen (A Merciful Fate Cake), the artist hopes the work will bring the viewer joy, hope and positivity.

Challenging gender dynamics

Known for exploring the gender codes of contemporary consumerism, in this work Sylvie Fleury challenges the gender dynamics of space travel and beyond.

While the rocket-shaped form may suggest masculinity, the artist subverts our expectations by painting it a vibrant pink, reminiscent of lipstick.

Like her mannequin legs and hands, the rocket is also lacquered with a special car paint containing metallic flakes that originated in American custom car culture.

Pushing for more

Often referencing the natural world through her choice of materials, Claudia Comte’s “HAHAHA” series addresses the threats facing our environment more directly.

The artist ironically sprawls “hahaha” phrases across a depiction of a dislodged iceberg in Antarctica. This comic language evokes a villain’s evil laughter and a sense of levity that contrasts to the scene of environmental disaster.

These works have been acquired in keeping with the spirit of the UBS Art Collection’s new publication ‘Reimagining: New Perspectives’ and will be displayed in the UBS Lounge at Art Basel in Basel 2023.