Images Vevey 2024: George Peabody Library Baltimore, photo by Candida Höfer, 2010. Displayed on the facade of Vevey’s former prison.
AUTUMN typically arrives with an energising coolness that spurs me on to explore the new cultural and crafts events that usually come our way with the changing of the seasons. Here are six you’ll want to check out.
Images Vevey — Biennale of the Visual Arts 2024
Every two years, monumental installations presenting the work of international photographers take over indoor and outdoor spaces — building facades, churches, parks, museums, a converted former prison and even the nearby lake — in and around the downtown area of Vevey.
Underway since 7 September and continuing until the 29th of the month, some fifty photographic installations explore this year’s theme (dis)connected, which addresses the paradox between our nostalgia for the past and our curiosity about an uncertain future.
The digital revolution influences all sectors of society: ecology, geopolitics, economy, the arts, education and leisure. This year’s collection of photographs play on the feeling of connection and disconnection between tangible reality and digital fantasy.
Biennale Images Vevey, 7 – 29 September, Vevey, canton Vaud
Parcours Céramique Carougeois – 18th Edition
The biennial Parcours Céramique Carougeois this year celebrates its 35th anniversary, its longevity springing from the passion of its organisers and participants for contemporary ceramics, in particular those produced using “slow techniques”.
More than 20 artists from eight countries will showcase their interpretation of this year’s theme Clay, a Vehicle of Emotions and Messages in the streets, stalls, and galleries of Carouge.
“We want to bring together artists who have a unique approach, who express convictions and who use ceramics as an interface for personal messages,” says organiser Frédéric Bodet.
Parcours Céramique Carougeois, 14 – 22 September, Carouge/Geneva
Matisse — Invitation to the Voyage
The Fondation Beyeler, located in the Basel suburb of Riehen, presents the first Henri Matisse (1869–1954) retrospective in Switzerland in almost 20 years.
A famous exponent of modern art, his groundbreaking work redefined painting for future generations. With more than 70 major works on loan from prestigious European and American museums and private collections, the exhibition showcases his development from the 1900s through the 1950s and the wide range of the artist’s pioneering oeuvre.
An Invitation to the Voyage invites viewers on a journey through Matisse’s unique body of work, in which travel played an important part. In Italy, Spain, Russia, Morocco, the US and Tahiti, he found ever-renewed inspiration in the nature and art of other cultures.
In a multimedia space conceived specially for the exhibition, his travels are made vivid through animated historical photographs and wall panels. Photographs and films give insights into his studios and his creative process.
Matisse – Invitation to the Voyage, 22 September 2024 – 26 January 2025, Basel/Riehen, canton Basel-City
Fête de la Brocante (Antiques Fair/Flea Market) – Le Landeron
Constructed in the 14th century, the fortified village of Le Landeron in canton Neuchâtel welcomes one of the largest open-air antiques fairs in Switzerland every last week-end in September .
Several hundred merchants offer antiques, second-hand goods, design and vintage items — a sector in the castle is entirely devoted to old toys.
Browse while gazing at the colorful old houses, fountains and lime trees in the beautifully preserved medieval town centre that’s guarded at each end by a fortified gate.
Visitors can count on more than 1,500 low-cost parking spaces in the immediate vicinity or they can travel by train or boat. Canteens will offer food and drink. Entry is free.
Tip for your agenda: Planning is underway for when Le Landeron celebrates its 700th anniversary next year.
Fête de la Brocante 2024, 28 – 29 September, Le Landeron, canton Neuchâtel
UNIcréa Artisans’ Salon – 35th Edition
Twice annually, in spring and then in autumn, UNIcréa brings together more than 100 European artisans ‘handpicked’ for their originality, passion and talent by UNIcréa founder and director Céline Dreveton.
They explore the worlds of art, fashion and decor through seven artistic media: either wood, metal, earth, glass, textiles, stone and paint. The result is unique paintings, photographs, jewellery, sculpture, ceramics, glass, clothes, hats, shoes and furniture.
The UNIcréa Salon simply can’t be beat for passion, creativity and inspiration. Come along and find out for yourself.
35th UNIcréa Artisans’ Salon, 3 – 6 October, Château de Coppet, Coppet, canton Vaud
Cézanne Renoir – Regards Croisés
Two interpretations of a still life: (left) Paul Cézanne, Straw vase, sugar bowl and apples, between 1890 and 1894, Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris© GrandPalais (Musée de l’Orangerie) / Hervé Lewandowski and (right) Auguste Renoir, Peaches, 1881, Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris© GrandPalais (Musée de l’Orangerie) / Hervé Lewandowski.
Two of Paris’s preeminent museums, the Musées d’Orsay and de l’Orangerie, have loaned some 60 masterpieces by the painters Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne for the current exhibition at the Fondation Pierre Gianadda in Martigny.
The first part of the exhibition consists of a comparative approach to the works of Cézanne and Renoir, who knew, influenced and admired each other. The rest of the exhibition presents the works chronologically, tracing the evolution of the themes they studied and the pictorial techniques they used, and looking at the development of their respective styles from their beginnings to their maturity.
Some works by Picasso are added to show the importance of Cézanne and Renoir’s influence on the artistic landscape of the 20th century.
The exhibition presents a unique opportunity to delve into the history of French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Cézanne Renoir – Regards Croisés, continues until 19 November 2024, Fondation Pierre Gianadda, Martigny, canton Valais
If you get around to visiting one of these events, feel free to share your impressions in the comment box below.
Creative Living Geneva 