Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist’s Fascination with Bags: A Phenomenological Investigation
Renowned Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist has a unique obsession with bags, which she keeps in a vast collection in her Zurich studio. Rist, known for her immersive sound and video installations, believes that the bag is one of the first human tools, providing independence and readiness for escape.
Rist’s collection includes all kinds of bags, from leather satchels to plastic bags, each holding a story within its container. With around 2,000 pieces, most acquired from thrift stores or as gifts, Rist’s collection is a reflection of her life as a 60-something-year-old Central European woman who doesn’t throw anything away.
From her first purchase of a handbag in Naples at the age of 10 to her latest purchase of a beautiful leather shoulder bag in Japan, Rist’s love for bags runs deep. She even admits to obtaining a bag through dubious methods as a teenager.
In addition to her bag collection, Rist considers herself a collector of collections, with items ranging from toys to cowbells to underwear. However, after reflecting on her bags during an interview, Rist contemplates letting go of some of them.
Rist’s unique perspective on bags as more than just accessories sheds light on the personal and universal significance of these everyday items. As she continues to explore the stories and meanings behind each bag in her collection, Rist’s fascination with bags remains a central theme in her artistic practice.
