
Peter Fischli and David Weiss have a unique, whimsical perspective on the mundane material of everyday life. Since they began working together in 1979, the artistic duo set out to document and investigate their surroundings, juxtaposing the ordinary with the spectacular. Sprüth Magers is pleased to announce an exhibition of famed works of central importance to Fischli and Weiss’ oeuvre in the London gallery. Revolving around the recurring figures of Rat and Bear, the show traces the brown rat (deemed a pest and ugly) and the panda bear (considered endangered and adorable) throughout the artists’ three decades of collaboration. Across video, slide projection, photography, kinetic sculpture and several works on paper, Fischli and Weiss playfully and humorously employ the animal costumes as vehicles for probing Western dualistic thought and its dependence on opposing principles.
Both born in Zürich, Peter Fischli (*1952) and David Weiss (1946—2012) met in 1977 and began their artistic collaboration shortly after, in 1979. Their artwork has been the subject of many prominent solo exhibitions around the world including shows at Aspen Museum of Art (2017), Art Institute, Chicago and SFMOMA, San Francisco (2017/2018), Fondation Beyeler, Riehen/Basel, (2016), Serpentine Gallery, London, (2014), 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, Japan (2010), Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofia, Madrid (2009) and retrospectives at the Deichtorhallen, Hamburg (2008), Kunsthaus, Zurich (2007) and Tate Modern (2006). Their major solo show How To Work Better in 2016 was presented at Guggenheim Museum New York and travelled to Museo Jumex, Mexico City in 2017.
Sprüth Magers has expanded from its roots in Cologne (Germany) to become an international gallery dedicated to exhibiting the very best in groundbreaking modern and contemporary art. With galleries located in Berlin Mitte, London’s Mayfair and the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles–as well as an office in Cologne and an outpost in Hong Kong–Sprüth Magers retains close ties with the studios and communities of the German and American artists who form the core of its roster.

A respected voice in contemporary art discourse.
Focusing on ambitious storytelling and insightful art-world commentary. Ocula Magazine publishes in-depth interviews, critical essays and timely analysis on the artists, exhibitions and ideas driving the global art world.
Learn more about Ocula Magazine
Showcasing the best of the art world.
Ocula partners with galleries from around the world to highlight their artists, artworks and exhibitions. Gallery membership is by application and invitation, with each member vetted by an independent panel.
Learn more about Ocula Membership
Specialises in the sale of major artworks.
Led by a team with deep ties to the world’s leading auction houses, galleries and collectors. Ocula’s advisory team offers bespoke services to high-net-worth clients from around the world who are looking to acquire the best of contemporary and modern art.
Learn more about our team and services