Artist Gerry Hofstetter provides his top tips for the perfect cultural weekend away This month, new research from Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) revealed that 20% of Brits believe customer service today is far worse than it was 30 years ago when Are you Being Served? and Crossroads were held up as parodies of what we expected from the service industries. In order to tackle this issue, SWISS has launched an 'Art of Attentiveness' campaign to bring the importance of attentive service to the forefront of people's minds.
The finale of the campaign involved a spectacular art installation by light artist Gerry Hofstetter where all the eye selfies collected over the campaign period, from both the crew and passengers, were illuminated on to four large balloons over the Swiss Alps.
Felix Rodel, SWISS' Director of the UK and Ireland said: "Eye contact sits at the heart of attentiveness and is very important to us at SWISS. So, we wanted to create something with Gerry that was stunning...that really brought this to life."
Here, Gerry shares with us his top tips for making the most of what Switzerland has to offer the art-loving culture vultures travelling there this winter.
"It's the performance of transforming buildings, monuments and landscapes into temporary light art sculptures with communicating messages. That outdoor work fascinates me. Over the years, I have developed a real passion for the work I do and this is down to the subject being people. I work with people, for people, for our planet and most enjoy capturing the moments that matter, in long lasting memories that are photos and film. This is what made me so drawn to this campaign with SWISS."
Gerry's top three galleries and museums:- The International Watch Museum, La Chaux-de-Fonds
The La Chaux-de-Fonds is, historically, one of the focal points of the Swiss watchmaking industry and the home of one of the country's famous watchmaking schools. The International Watch Museum is the perfect place to delve into horology.
- Villa Le Corbusier, Zurich
Situated on the edge of Lake Zurich, Villa le Corbusier is a stunning museum, dedicated to the work of the Swiss architect Le Corbusier. Easily reached on foot or tram from Zurich's centre, Villa Le Corbusier is a must-see.
- The Swiss National Museum, Zurich
Affiliated with the Federal Office of Culture and the Musée Suisse Group, The Swiss National Museum, is considered one of the most important art museums of cultural history in Europe. Currently exhibiting 'Fairy tales, magic and Trudi Gerster' until March 2016, the exhibition, equally as interesting for children as well as adults, shows the fairy tale's heritage, history and topicality and is perfect for the whole family.
Gerry's top three architecture must-sees:- La Chaux-de-Fonds
After a fire destroyed two-thirds of the town in 1794, the rebuild was based on New York's Manhattan, with long wide streets that run parallel to the hillsides of the valley. This, along with its recent recognition from UNESCO for its exceptional value as a watch-making city, makes La Chaux-de-Fonds a charming must-see for architecture.
- Church Santa Maria degli Angeli
Designed by world-famous architect Mario Botta, the Santa Maria degli Angeli chapel is a marvel of contemporary architecture up high in the hills of Monte Tamaro. A definite hotspot for anyone with a taste for amazing architecture and breath-taking panoramic views.
- Monte Rosa Hut
Based at the foot of Monte Rosa in the Swiss Alps, The Monte Rosa Hut is a popular destination for hikers and mountaineers. Not only striking visually, the Monte Rosa Hut is also virtually self-sufficient in energy, and not to mention a unique place to stay.
For more information about this movement and about Swiss International Air Lines, please visit swiss.com/attentiveness and swiss.com.
