Exploring Kelly Tissot’s Rural Narratives at Kunsthaus Baselland
Experiencing the Exhibition: Spatial Boundaries and Photography
The exhibition begins with a striking spatial intervention: a massive barrier constructed from metal and wood. Rather than simply separating the gallery space from the outside world, this structure sets a deliberate pace for visitors, guiding them along a specific path that subverts traditional pastoral imagery. As visitors navigate the hall, additional sculptural elements interrupt clear lines of sight, carving the expansive space into distinct zones. This deliberate architectural restriction forces an intimate viewing experience, leaving little room to step back from the works and drawing viewers into a close, sometimes unsettling dialogue with the displayed images.
Deconstructing the Pastoral in Basel
At the core of the presentation are large-format prints derived from analog photographs taken by Kelly Tissot in a French amusement park. Capturing figures originally meant to act as scarecrows, the artist digitally manipulates these images to alter contrast, crop details, and strip away traditional horizons and spatial coordinates. The resulting oversized portraits expose the artificiality of rural symbolism, revealing straw and sewn patches that betray the inertness of their form. Through these works, the exhibition dismantles romanticized notions of the countryside, replacing comforting clichés with a layered, ambiguous space where the playful and the eerie intersect.
To discover more contemporary art exhibitions and cultural highlights across the city, take a look at the current whats on exhibitions. You can also plan your route or browse other local highlights by exploring the interactive map view or checking out Musemap (musemap.art).
