Andrea Garbald Photography Exhibit (Chur)

(Giovanni and Annetta Giacometti with their four children Alberto, Diego, Bruno and Ottilia (ltr), 1909, original print, 16 x 21 cm/25.5 x 33.8 cm (Privately held), © 2014 Fondazione Garbald, Castasegna)

The Bergell valley is commonly known as the birthplace of famous Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti. It may have been the valley’s special panorama which inspired one of his contemporaries, Andrea Garbald (1877-1958), to start documenting it on film.

Their paths ultimately crossed when Garbald was commissioned to portray the Giacommeti family. It is this group photograph that has become his most iconic and well known output. Meanwhile, much of the intricate, day-to-day documentation of the cultural history of Bergell has been largely underappreciated.

(Soglio, 1905, original print, 9.7 x 12.8 cm, © 2014 Fondazione Garbald, Castasegna)

For the first time, the lifetime achievement of Andrea Garbald will be shown to the public at the Bündner Kunstmuseum in Chur. Having spent almost his entire life in the Bergell, Garbald has left a never before seen collection of photographs in print and in negative. The new exhibit allows you to dive into the culture, nature and life of this valley and the photographer behind the lens.

The exhibition is linked to the 150 year anniversary of Villa Garbald. On this occasion, the first monograph about the photographer and artist is being published.