Sophie Nadler und Etienne Eisele is an artist duo from and based in Zurich. Barely graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts from HSLU (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts), the duo already demonstrates conceptual and formal maturity. Since 2020, and strength.ened by a solid friendship, their collaboration has developed coherently through the mediums of installation, perfor.mance, and video.
The duo quite literally embodies the famous maxim, “Every art practice is a social practice.” In preparation for Plattform25, they immersed themselves in the city of Neuchatel–visiting its museums, studying certain aspects of its history, and engaging with its residents. Their interest quickly turned to the remnants of the Suchard factory; a chocolate factory established in Serrières in the early 19th century. While it tells the story of the region’s industrial and colonial past, it still marks the architectural heritage of this lakeside suburb today.
Sophie Nadler und Etienne Eisele’s research and dedication led them to visit the former Cité Suchard, a workers’ housing estate built at the end of the 19th century near the factory. Their visit was marked by an encounter with one resident, the son of a former factory worker. A humble plant from his garden to this day continues to spread its roots inside one of the last remaining artifacts of the factory: an original melting pot once used to mix Suchard chocolate.
This historical kettle serves as the centerpiece of the work Post Production (2025). Its awkwardly sprawling branches tell the story of time passing and the journey of an object–retrieved, sometimes forgotten, but always cherished. At this point, one thing is certain: the contrast between the raw appearance of this kettle and its “pedestal” – which is not one at all! – will have caught your eye. A golden wrapper that makes our mouths water as much as a chocolate bar advertisement at dessert time. In short, a little gift – both delicious and ambivalent.
Far be it from them to reference Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, yet I can’t help but think of it. You, however, may interpret it as you wish. Like Willy Wonka, Sophie Nadler und Etienne Eisele enjoy surprising their guests, and in fact, they have more than one trick up their sleeve. Here’s a hint: Keep your ears open on the eve of the exhibition opening!
Spoiler alert On the opening night, an invisible choir will perform. The singers, hidden within the walls of CAN, will perform a song of their own repertoire. With subtlety and humour, the duo plays with the unexpected, with discomfort, and with the tension created by norms–be they social or spatial. This event will not be publicly announced.
Hall is realised in collaboration with S.C.A.T. Super Choeur au Taquet.
Katia Leonelli (Translated from French)