In Bex, artists gently awaken the genius of the place

In Bex, Switzerland, the triennial art event Bex Arts is subtly animating the "Génies du lieu", the spirits of the place, through a series of understated artistic interventions. Installed since 1987 in a sprawling park originally landscaped in the English style nearly a century ago by British aristocrats Louisa Anne Hope and her daughter Elisabeth, the estate, now known as Szilassy, is named after Elisabeth's adopted daughter's husband.

While monumental works from 2023 might still be visible on platforms like Google Maps, the 2026 edition, "Génies du lieu," features pieces that are intentionally less conspicuous. The focus is not necessarily on the most visually striking works, but rather on those that engage with the environment in a more nuanced way. This includes sound art pieces by Chloé Delarue and Olga Kokcharova, which are camouflaged within the park's natural soundscape.

Mirko Baselgia exemplifies this minimalist approach. His work "Interspace" is defined simply as "intact space defined by five trees," and the area remains intentionally unmown. For another piece, Baselgia is pyrograving the birth and death dates of every person who has lived in, been born in, or passed away in Bex since January 1st onto the stakes of newly planted trees. These are described as "ceremonial discrets," highlighting a quiet yet profound connection to the local population and its history.

The triennial's emphasis on subtlety and integration with the natural surroundings offers a contemplative experience for visitors, encouraging a deeper appreciation of both the art and the historic landscape of the Szilassy estate.

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ceremonials discrets