The pulse of contemporary art in Gstaad

Gstaad transforms into a hub of artistic expression with MAZE ART GSTAAD, bringing together internationally renowned galleries, groundbreaking exhibitions, and a dynamic lineup of events for the weekend of Valentine's Day.
Outside the festival tent, seven standout exhibitions push the boundaries of contemporary and modern art, offering thought-provoking dialogues on form, energy, movement, and cultural heritage.

From site-specific installations in the alpine landscape to explorations of portraiture, kinetic sculpture, and primal expression, each gallery presents a unique perspective, making this a must-see season for art lovers.

NAHMAD CONTEMPORARY – CALDER IN FLIGHT

At Tarmak22 in Gstaad Airport, Nahmad Contemporary presents “Calder in Flight”, an exhibition dedicated to Alexander Calder’s legendary kinetic sculptures. Curated by fashion icon Edward Enninful, this show highlights Calder’s pioneering exploration of airborne movement and balance, drawing parallels between his mobiles and the principles of aerodynamics. Spanning five decades, the exhibition includes iconic pieces such as “Black Disc with Flags” (1939) and “Crag with Petals and Yellow Cascade” (1974).

WHERE: TARMAK22, SAANEN AIRPORT

WHEN: UNTIL 15 MARCH

HINDERGÄSSLI – PORTRAITS, MOSTLY

With an exceptional lineup of contemporary masters – including Jean-Michel Basquiat, George Condo, Alice Neel, and Antony Gormley – Hindergässli’s exhibition explores the portrait in its many forms. Featuring sculptures, paintings, and works on paper, this collection celebrates the human figure through diverse artistic approaches, bridging classical portraiture with modern abstraction.

WHERE: HINDERGÄSSLI 1, SAANEN
WHEN: UNTIL 16 MARCH | WED–SAT 3–6PM

BY APPOINTMENT +41 33 744 02 03

GREG PODGORSKI – BURTON MORRIS POP ART

Celebrating Burton Morris's bold, graphic world, Greg Podgorski Contemporary Art presents a selection of vibrant, high-energy works by the acclaimed Pop artist. Known for his signature black outlines and striking colour palettes, Morris’ pieces transform everyday objects into dynamic cultural icons. This exhibition invites viewers into a playful, nostalgic realm of contemporary optimism.

WHERE: LE CERF IN ROUGEMONT
WHEN: VERNISSAGE: 14 FEBRUARY (4:30–6:30 PM)

15–16 FEBRUARY (3:00–6:30 PM)

gregpodgorski.gallery

ELEVATION 1049 – ENERGIES

The highly anticipated sixth edition of Elevation 1049 explores the concept of energy in all its forms – natural, industrial, and metaphysical. Curated by Stefanie Hessler and supported by the Luma Foundation, this multi-venue exhibition features 14 international artists, including Theaster Gates, Louisa Gagliardi, and Himali Singh Soin. With installations spanning The Carpentry in Schönried and The Station in Saanen, alongside large-scale outdoor works, this edition engages with climate change, technology, and sustainability themes.

WHERE: SCHÖNRIED, SAANEN, GSTAAD

WHEN: UNTIL 16 MARCH 2025

STUDIO NAEGELI – GESTURE

In collaboration with Mitterrand Gallery, Studio Naegeli presents “Gesture”, a dynamic exhibition investigating the expressive potential of the artist’s mark. Featuring works in their brand-new exhibition space by Jean Dubuffet, Yayoi Kusama, Gerhard Richter, and Jean Tinguely, this show highlights movement, texture, and abstraction in modern and contemporary painting.

WHERE: STUDIO NAEGELI, PROMENADE 61
(LEFT SIDE) GSTAAD | WHEN: UNTIL 9 MARCH
THU – SUN: 12 – 6 PM, BY APPOINTMENT

SIEGFRIED CONTEMPORARY – PRIMAL SCREAM

Exploring the raw essence of creation, “Primal Scream” brings together Weon Rhee and Alasdair McLuckie, two artists deeply engaged with ritual, materiality, and origin stories. Rhee’s sculptural furniture evokes prehistoric Korean burial sites, while Mc-Luckie’s bead paintings reimagine ethnographic practices through modern abstraction. This exhibition blurs the line between art, craft, and anthropology, inviting reflection on humanity’s instinctive connection to form.

WHERE: SIEGFRIED CONTEMPORARY

POP-UP SPACE, OBERDORFSTRASSE 11,

SAANEN. | WHEN: UNTIL 6 MARCH

GAGOSIAN – URS FISCHER: EASY SOLUTIONS & PROBLEMS

Gagosian’s latest exhibition presents Urs Fischer’s provocative new series, “Chumbox” (2024–), which satirises the aesthetics of internet clickbait advertising. Alongside these works, five monumental paintings from his Problem Paintings series (2010–) blur the lines between classic Hollywood glamour and contemporary absurdity. Fischer’s ability to subvert both pop culture and conceptual art makes this an unmissable showcase.

WHERE: GAGOSIAN GSTAAD

WHEN: UNTIL 23 MARCH

SEASON OF BOUNDLESS CREATIVITY
With such a rich and diverse program, this February is the perfect catapult to ignite conversation and challenge artistic conventions. Whether drawn to the digital distortions of Urs Fischer, the meditative gestures of Gerhard Richter, or the poetic balance of Alexander Calder, visitors are in for an unforgettable artistic journey.

JEANETTE WICHMANN