A recap of Nomad St. Moritz
Beyond the snowy slopes of St Moritz lies a haven for art and design aficionados. Last month, the remote Swiss Alpine town welcomed Nomad, the renowned traveling art and design showcase, for its 13th edition (23 – 25 February 2024) at the former Hotel Eden. Set against the backdrop of the frozen lake and majestic mountains, the 19th-century landmark, currently undergoing renovation, provided a captivating setting for the event.
Image credit: De Pasquale+Maffini
Nomad, known for its unconventional choice of venues in less-traveled cities, brought together 35 established and emerging galleries and special projects under one roof. The juxtaposition of modern aesthetics against the backdrop of the historic hotel, with its grandiose charm and ongoing construction, offered a refreshing alternative to the traditional white cube format.
Image credit: De Pasquale+Maffini
Founded by Giorgio Pace and Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte in 2017, Nomad has transformed extraordinary locations into showcases for art and design, from Monaco's Villa La Vigie to Venice's Palazzo Soranzo Van Axel. While the duo plans to expand further, including potential ventures outside Europe, the St Moritz edition holds a special place as one of their earliest locations.
Each Nomad edition has its own unique ambiance, influenced by local architecture, design, and the time of year. In St Moritz, contemporary alpine chic dominated the scene, with surprising showcases awaiting discovery throughout the hotel.
Image credit: De Pasquale+Maffini
Highlights included Paris-based ceramics expert Florian Daguet-Bresson's colorful and quirky collections, featuring pieces ranging from pastel ceramic decor to carnivalesque creatures. Burkina Faso's Hamed Ouattara showcased midcentury-style cabinets crafted from recycled oil drums, adding a vibrant pop of color.
Image credit: De Pasquale+Maffini
A standout project was the Chandigarh Series by London-based Indian collector Rajan Bijlani, featuring never-before-seen furniture pieces designed by Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret in India. Another notable installation was La stanza di Nives by Swiss-Austrian artist Nives Widauer, presenting works using upcycled or found objects in a room-sized cabinet of curiosities.
Nomad also embraced sustainability with projects like Bread and Diamonds, a collaboration between St Moritz-based jeweler Super Mountain and local baker Paolo Casanova. The exhibition combined glittering jewels inspired by the mountainous landscape with artisanal bread and Murano glass pieces, highlighting the intersection of craft and creativity.
Image credit: De Pasquale+Maffini
Despite the diverse range of exhibits, Nomad maintained a cohesive atmosphere, fostering a sense of community among exhibitors, visitors, and the location itself. This multidisciplinary approach, merging art and design within architectural contexts, creates a unique and immersive experience, pushing boundaries and fostering collaboration within the creative community.
For more information email your Experience Specialist at La Settima Duchessa : travel@lasettimaduchessa.com