In the December edition of GstaadLife we took a mini-tour of some art galleries in and around Gstaad. But that’s just the beginning of what the Saanenland art scene has to offer. So join us as we continue through the valley to explore what’s happening in Saanen.

Chalet Farb

Along the main road from Gstaad to Saanen, we turn right at Farbstrasse and head up the hill to number 20. Chalet Farb is renowned for the events it hosts in a large barn (which ordinarily houses an indoor swimming pool but is converted to create an airy gallery when exhibitions are being held.)
From 5 – 26 February Chalet Farb is showing works from Philippe Cramer (“Angel Dust”), Richard Höglund (“Rose, vine, loom, tomb”), Suzanne Syz (“Art jewels”) and Zolaykha Sherzad (“Tribute to Afghan women”).

After leaving Chalet Farb we return to the main road and continue until we reach the roundabout at the east side of Saanen village (near the old fire station). Turning left towards the centre and parking the car, we now continue on foot through the pedestrian zone.

Farbstrasse 20, 3792 Saanen

La Vache Bleue

While not an art gallery in the traditional sense, La Vache Bleue claims its spot through the wide array of quirky art pieces it has on offer. From antiques to modern designs, pictures, lamps and an exhibition of photographs, La Vache Bleue has surprises around every corner. And in the evenings, it transforms into a bar and concert venue. So you could make a day and an evening visit. How fun is that?

Mättelistrasse 4, 3792 Saanen
www.lavachebleue.ch

Door49

Just a few steps along the pedestrian zone we reach Door49, a new project, exhibition and performance space. From 4–8 February (10am–9pm) Harriet Clark will be hosting an art show entitled “The Pigs in Shorts are in Gstaad”. (Vernissage and cocktail on Saturday, 5 February from 6–9pm.)
Later in February (13–27), Door49 is hosting a second exhibition entitled “ITALIA-MANIA – Time Travel through Italian Art”, featuring works by Bacarelli of Florence and Fabio Bechelli. Save the date and come back for a second visit!

Dorfstrasse 49, 3792 Saanen
www.door49.ch

Cramer Mitterand Art Advisory

In the very centre of Saanen we come to the Cramer Mitterand Art Advisory. This gallery hosts small exhibitions of important artworks by some of the most influential post-war artists. This January they are celebrating art, shapes, objects and design with Allan McCollum, Wyatt Kahn and India Mahdavi.

1 Hintergässli, 3792 Saanen
contact@cramermitterrand.com
+41 33 744 0203

Heimatwerk Saanen

Cross the square and visit the Heimatwerk Saanen. This wonderful shop focuses on local and Swiss craftsmanship and is currently hosting an exhibition of Scherenschnitt (paper cutting artwork) by Elisabeth Beutler. This exhibition runs until 18 March so there is plenty of time to pop in and take a look.

Dorfstrasse 62, 3792 Saanen
www.heimatwerk-saanen.ch

Urs von Unger Gallery

Further along the pedestrian zone we reach the Urs von Unger Gallery. Spread across two floors of the “Kleines Landhaus” historic building, this gallery mixes contemporary art with a selection of vintage pieces, fine antiques and photography.
This winter the gallery has curated an eclectic selection of new works by international artists and designers, from the well-established to the promising emerging creatives. The range of the artwork on show includes sculpture, sculptural furniture, paintings, and lighting to collectible design pieces. Most of the art comprises unique pieces, limited editions or gallery editions.

Dorfstrasse 71, 3792 Saanen
mail@ursvonunger.com
+41 33 744 4411

Tarmak22

We now jump in the car and head out of Saanen village. Taking the main road (route 11/ Oeystrasse) in the direction of Rougemont, we turn left into Gstaad Airport. [This is also accessible on foot via a small road that runs parallel to route 11.]
Here we find the Tarmak22 Gallery with its magnificent exhibition space overlooking the runway. Until 5 February, Hauser & Wirth is hosting an exhibition by William Kentridge called “Singer Solo”. This presentation demonstrates Kentridge’s playful investigations in sculpture and scale, from the miniature to the monumental. PS: Two large-scale sculptures by Kentridge are also being presented in the gardens at the Gstaad Palace, marking the first time this artist has shown outdoor sculpture in Switzerland.

Gstaad Airport Oeystrasse 29,
3792 Saanen info@tarmak22.com
@Tarmak22

The Adventure Continues …
Thus ends our mini-tour of art venues in Saanen. We’ll pick up our trip in the next edition of GstaadLife when we travel further along the valley to Vaud. There we’ll explore the flourishing art scene in the Pays-d’Enhaut. See you then.

ANNA CHARLES