A group of black and white dots

John Armleder
(Born 1948, Switzerland: lives and works in Geneva)
'Untitled',1983
Acrylic on canvas
90 x 130 cm
UBS Art Collection
Courtesy of the artist

John Armleder, whose influential career spans over 40 years, is regarded as one of Switzerland’s leading contemporary artists. His distinctive artistic practice, ranging from sculptures and paintings to film and curating, continuously bridges the gap between fine art and popular culture. The UBS Art Collection and Armleder have a long history of collaboration dating back to the early 1990s. The large-scale commission, Agenda (2018), is installed at the entrance of UBS’s Zurich Headquarters, Bahnhofstrasse 45.

In the 1980s, Armleder began exhibiting in New York, establishing a dialogue with artists, such as Peter Halley, who utilized geometric abstraction in their work and were associated with the local Neo Geometric Conceptualism or Neo-Geo art scene. Armleder also interacted with Swiss artists Olivier Mosset and Helmut Federle, both linked to the movement. Around that time, he began incorporating the dot motif into his paintings, including Untitled (1983), drawings, prints and various objects. Through his approach to appropriation, Armleder elevated the simple placement of dots from abstract compositions to a system of representation emphasizing order and repetition. He later developed his signature, more expressive style of art exemplified by his Pour Paintings, which he created by pouring paint directly on canvas.

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be relied upon as investment advice or the basis for making any investment decisions. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the respective speakers and are not necessarily those of UBS Group AG, its subsidiaries or affiliate companies ("UBS"). No representation or warranty, either express or implied, is provided in relation to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of the information contained herein nor is it intended to be a complete statement or summary of the financial markets or developments referred to in this article. The featured persons/businesses are not affiliated with UBS nor implying sponsorship or endorsement of UBS or its products and services.