Altitude Art

Here is our selection of outdoor art to see in the mountains this winter.

I. James Turell, Zuoz

Standing on the mountainside near the Hotel Castel the “Skyspace” is the archaic-looking cylindrical structure built with Dry Stone Masonry as external wall. The only openings in the building are the entrance directed towards the valley as well as the centralized large round ceiling opening. The orientation of the entrance was defined by Turrell himself directing it towards the summit plateau of the mountain Piz Uter. Its distinctive peak shape is traced by the outline of the entrance.

“The Skyspace Piz Uter is a highly poetic contribution to daylighting. The installation shows the essence of light and space in an unrivaled consequence. The question of whether this is a work of art or architecture, is for the jury therefore not relevant. “James Turrell receives 2010 on the occasion of the Velux Daylight Award a recognition award.

II. Doug Aitken, Gstaad

Mirage Gstaad is a new outdoor site-specific sculpture installation by artist Doug Aitken. The artwork will remain on view in Gstaad, Switzerland over the course of two years, reflecting and interacting with the mountain landscape over the changing seasons. Mirage Gstaad is the distillation of an architectural idea, a seemingly generic structure devoid of a narrative, its inhabitants and possessions. This minimal structure now functions entirely in response to the landscape around it, creating a visual echo-chamber that endlessly reflects, a life-size kaleidoscope that absorbs, transforms and responds to the surrounding dynamic landscape.

III. James Turell, Lech

For the Skyspace-Lech located in the high mountains, James Turrell selected the location “Tannegg” in Oberlech at 1780 meters above sea level. A hiking trail leads to the small hill above the mountain station of the Schlosskopfbahn all year. Additionally, it is also easily accessible from the ski slope.

The sketches of the artist show a building predominantly located underground, that integrates itself in the landscape seamlessly. The main room is equipped with a circumferential bench and opens up for an open view to the sky. The entrance occurs through a 15 meters long tunnel. The location possesses a fascinating sight axis between the prominent Biberkopf summit and the village Bürstegg on the one hand and the Omeshorn on the other hand.

IV. Olafur Eliasson, Hochjochferner glacier