Since 2017, Thomas Struth has worked at the Leibniz Institute for Zoological and Wildlife Research in Berlin, following researchers in biology and veterinary medicine in their study of wildlife diversity and conservation. Struth’s most recent work, Animals, represents a pictorial shift in his oeuvre. Drawing on his visual research into scientific and medical environments, as well as the history of memento mori, his project sensitively captures animals following their moment of surrender. Struth’s subjects appear suspended between life and death. In their beauty, dignity, and poignancy the animals bear a reminder of the transience of life. Presented in Basel’s First Church of Christ, Scientist, the portraits intermingle with the ever-changing utility of the modernist building.

In tandem with the exhibition, Struth has curated a program of live music in collaboration with guitarist Frank Bungarten. At Struth’s invitation a variety of contemporary solo works will be presented.

Monday, June 11
7:30 pm: Walter Fähndrich, viola – Viola II & VII

Thursday, June 14
noon: Thierry Mechler, organ - Improvisations

Saturday, June 16
noon: Maurizio Grandinetti, acoustic guitar – Music by chance - Music by numbers
7 pm: Maurizio Grandinetti, e-guitar – ECHEOS, Where signals melt
9:30 pm: Walter Fähndrich, viola – Viola II & Viola VII