Airing Treasures – From the Collection of the Förderverein Part III

In the third part of the exhibition series launched in 2022 featuring works from the Förderverein collection, Fotostiftung Schweiz presents a selection of photographic works acquired over the past ten years by its support association, all of which are now being shown in an exhibition for the first time. What emerges is a rich diversity: different techniques, genres, contexts, and artistic approaches. Just as the Förderverein’s acquisition choices are not based on fixed selection criteria, there is no overtly apparent overarching theme here either. Instead, Airing Treasures invites visitors to create their own connections, discover surprising relationships, and to adopt new perspectives.

The exhibition title is inspired by the Japanese custom of mushiboshi (literally “bug drying”). During the hottest days of summer, after the rainy season, some temples and Nō theatres used to open their treasure chambers to air out precious objects such as scrolls or masks, thereby protecting them from mold and insect damage. This conservation measure also offered a rare opportunity to study and marvel at these usually hidden, valuable items.

The Fotostiftung is now airing out its own treasures from the collection of the Förderverein by reversing the traditional custom slightly: the works are brought out from the protected environment of the archival depots and are presented to the public. Halfway through the exhibition period, a partial rearrangement will take place to avoid exposing some particularly delicate works to the light for too long.