Exhibition
This exhibition is dedicated to a theme that has become rare in contemporary art: the passionate artistic exploration of the animal world. The works on display celebrate animals as fascinating creatures that enrich our lives and are honoured as remarkable beings in all their diversity, beauty and expressiveness. The artists present a wide variety of perspectives: sometimes as social beings, sometimes as symbolic companions, sometimes as living wonders in kaleidoscopic abundance.
Workshop
on depicting animals using various artistic techniques: drawing, painting, collage, priming and printing techniques under the guidance of Gaby Roter (artist and workshop leader at the Vitra Design Museum)
Saturday, 28 February 2026 | 2–6 p.m. and Sunday, 1 March 2026 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
You will work with coloured inks, collages and painting on wooden panels with marble powder priming and finishes in gold, copper or silver. A true chromatic journey into the animal world – between free expression, discovery and experimentation.
Cost: CHF 300.– Materials included
Registration: pia@ccaa.ch
Impressions
Artists
Regula Kummer’s cow paintings on characteristic blue Alpine fabric are the result of her intense interest in this species: she paints how cows interact socially, but also how they live as individuals. There are cows and calves showing tender affection, grooming each other’s coats, meeting in groups, and there is always the individual cow. Picture titles such as ‘Die Rasselbande’ (The Rascals) and names such as Klara, Winona and Köbi testify to the artist’s love for the animals that give us humans so much.
Mario Dilitz gives his characters things to hold, sometimes even animals. For example, horses, sharks, rabbits and bears. However, the bear is a teddy bear, and the other animals are not threatening either, but rather benevolent companions. Even the shark nestles up to the human figure like a protector. The artist depicts the figures in all their strength and tenderness, firmness and fragility. And this ambivalence is pointedly emphasised by the animals.
For Michele Lamassa, animals are not artistic accessories but take centre stage. Thanks to his special fresco technique on canvas and the inclusion of texts, the creatures almost stand out three-dimensionally from the picture: a wolf in all its intensity, yet inspiring trust; a butterfly in all its beauty, yet strong-willed; a dragon-like lizard, yet peaceful. Lamassa celebrates animals as the most remarkable creation.
The butterfly and beetle collections in natural history museums inspired Regula Mathys to create her paintings. However, the animals in these pictures are almost more impressive than in nature and are depicted as if they were alive. The arrangement creates a pattern that dances before our eyes like a kaleidoscope. The diversity of butterfly species is fascinating – seeing the animals painted in all their abundance on a canvas makes them appear like a miracle.
Gaby Roter is an excellent observer and she loves animals. In her large-format as well as smaller works, fish, birds, butterflies, lions and monkeys create their own space within the lush plant world. Striking elements such as feathers, eyes and beaks are always depicted in a vivid, captivating manner, with fascinating colours and forms. The pictures are animated with creatures that surround us and enrich our lives.