Roehrs & Boetsch

In recent years, the rapid pace of technological progress and increasing digitalisation have not only had a major impact on contemporary society, but also continue to evoke old and new issues in a wide range of art-related topics. New technologies and their application for artistic practices have greatly expanded the variety of media and creative possibilities. Consequently, artists in this field are continually testing the boundaries of what is conventionally considered "art" while also developing a new set of aesthetics. 

Given these rapid changes in the art world in recent years, Roehrs & Boetsch is the first and to date only art gallery in Switzerland to devote its programme to exploring digitalisation and its implications for society. For us, the term "digitalisation" is intended not as a technological description limiting the gallery programme simply to artists working in New Media. Rather, it should be understood as the common denominator pervading their creative practices.

By working very closely with emerging as well as established artists, our exhibitions explore and critically reflect the relationship between contemporary culture, digitalisation and art in a range of media and techniques. Furthermore, as an art gallery, we take great interest in actively discussing and developing new forms of exhibiting artworks where conventional methods have failed. 

Our overriding mission is to create a space for critical reflection on current and past developments as well as provide a platform for new positions in art.

--

As a consequence of the restrictions that limit physical proximity between people, and due to the uncertainty of the temporal extension of the COVID-19 pandemic, at Roehrs & Boetsch we are focusing more than ever on experimenting with alternative forms of exhibition display. With Humans Not Invited - IRL by Damjanski we have closed the space at Bachstrasse 9 at the end of April 2020 to try on new curatorial approaches.

The Simple Net Art Diagram, created in 1997 by the duo of artists MTAA, schematically illustrates this vision: art "happens" in a space, not necessarily physical, which is that of connections. Through new applications, home deliveries and virtual reality we are bringing the work of our artists directly to you. Follow us on our channels to find out more.