the alpine landscape of gstaad, switzerland has been activated by a unique series of site-specific sculptures and installations integrated in and above the mountainous region. the exhibition ‘elevation 1049: avalanche’, curated by neville wakefield and olympia scarry, builds on the power and dynamics of avalanches as a departure point for the 11 artworks on view.

 

one of the presented installations is a monumental land artwork by douglas gordon and morgane tschiember. ‘as close as you can for as long as it lasts’ uses fire, smoke and sound — a call and response between two artists — as a reference to the well-known history of yodeling in this particular area.

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
all photos by stefan altenburger / courtesy of the artist and LUMA foundation

 

 

the large scale, site-specific sculpture has been created in response to the landscape of gstaad. upon visiting the beautiful but terrifying mountain site, douglas gordon and morgane tschiember found beauty, fear, loneliness and a particular sense of melancholy. with these emotions in mind, the artists explored the idea of a lonely traveler who might seek companionship with another person in such a place, questioning whether this relationship is based on desire, fear or excitement of the unknown.

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
‘as close as you can for as long as it lasts’ comprises fire, smoke and a sound installation 

 

 

drawing from the works of american novelist jack london, tschiember decided to build an enormous fire — one of the most important aspects of survival. taking the shape of a circle, the fire’s thick smoke billows into the mountainside. in response to this, gordon has installed a sound piece based on our primal fears of unknown animals lurking in the dark woods, driving visitors towards the ‘safety’ of the fire.

 

‘elevation 1049: avalanche’ is produced and supported by the LUMA foundation and remains on view through march 19th, 2017.

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
the large sculpture has been created as a response to its setting

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
upon visiting the site, gordon and tschiember found beauty, fear, and a particular sense of melancholy

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
the artists explored the idea of a lonely traveler who might seek companionship

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
drawing from the works of american novelist jack london, tschiember decided to build an enormous fire

douglas gordon morgane tschiember
taking the shape of a circle, the fire’s thick smoke billows into the mountainside

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