Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch, 1980/1981 © Unknown
Temporary exhibition
28 March 2026 – 1 November 2026 · Museo Hermann Hesse Montagnola
The new temporary exhibition at the Museo Hermann Hesse Montagnola brings to light a figure who has long been overlooked, yet whose significance extends far beyond her familial ties: Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch, Hermann Hesse’s daughter-in-law. A graphic artist, photographer, and filmmaker, she was among the first Swiss artists to explore multimedia, always pursuing her own path with determination. Born in Zurich in 1917 and trained in Vienna, Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch spent extended periods in Ticino from the 1950s onwards. Her connection to her father-in-law was not merely familial but also intellectual. The letters she wrote to him between 1941 and 1962 reveal a keen insight and a profound understanding of the links between art and society. Hesse, in turn, quickly recognized the creative potential of his second son Heiner’s wife and encouraged her artistic expression—not as a mentor, but in a genuine dialogue between equals.
The exhibition shows how Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch bridged generations and artistic languages. Of particular note is her poetic short film inspired by Maria Geroe-Tobler’s tapestry and Hermann Hesse’s text Über einen Teppich. Her works - from illustrations to photography to experimental film - reflect the spirit of their time, while maintaining an independent voice that was never constrained by convention. In the quiet dialogue she shared with Hermann Hesse, a space for female creativity emerged, one that continues to resonate today. Her transition from graphic arts to filmmaking was especially significant, solidifying her role as a pioneer of Swiss auteur cinema. Her films, often poetic and experimental, explore themes of identity, nature, and memory, revealing a woman who approached new forms of expression with courage and curiosity.
In Ticino, she found not only peace but also fertile creative ground. The region’s landscapes, light, and cultural openness are echoed throughout her work. This exhibition honors that connection, inviting visitors to rediscover the artistic legacy of a woman who never settled for convention - whose voice remains strikingly relevant today.
Curated by Marcel Henry
Vernissage: Saturday 28 March 2026, 16.30, Sala Boccadoro, Via dei Somazzi 4, Montagnola ♿
On the occasion of the vernissage, Marcel Henry – director of the Museo and curator of the exhibition – will introduce the audience to the world of Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch. Afterwards, guests with a very personal connection to her work will take the floor: the singer La Lupa – one of the protagonists of the 1989 film Fantasmi e ospiti (Geister und Gäste), shot in the ruins of the abandoned Grand Hotel in Brissago, which was destined for demolition – and Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch’s son Silver Hesse. Together they will speak about the film work and the relationship between cinema, Ticino’s memory and artistic experimentation.
FURTHER RESOURCES
To access the portrait film Beyond the Words about Isa Hesse-Rabinovitch by Lario Buria (1994), click here »
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