Andrea Garbald (1877-1958) remained bound to his native country, the Bergell, all his life. He acted as chronicler of the valley and took portraits as well as postcard images and landscapes. Parallel to this he created an independent photographic oeuvre and developed a visual aesthetic, which was unique for his time. The Bündner Kunstmuseum presents for the first time and comprehensively the work of Andrea Garbald as photographer and artist.

Andrea Garbald’s work must be seen in the rich cultural context, in which it originated: The Villa Garbald designed by Gottfried Semper, the library of the family, the mother Silvia Andrea’s literary work. Whilst Andrea Garbald’s portrait of the family Giacometti became world famous, its creator was forgotten. The commissioned work interested him less and less, however, through his free photography he was left to depend entirely on his own resources and largely withdrew. Thus his work also remained unknown. Not until years after his death did it come to light again. Today the estate is stored at the Bündner Kunstmuseum. The exhibition shows rare original prints. Parallel to this the numerous glass negatives are presented in a form developed especially for this event. Parts of the library and sound documents give further insight into the work of Andrea Garbald.

The exhibition is linked to the anniversary “150 Jahre Villa Garbald”. On this occasion the first monograph about the photographer and artist is being published. 

Opening: Friday, February 14, 6 pm
Welcome address: Regierungsrat Martin Jäger and Vreni Müller-Hemmi, President foundation Fondazione Garbald
Introduction: Stephan Kunz, Director Bündner Kunstmuseum

Catalogue
Beat Stutzer (Hg.), Andrea Garbald (1877-1958). Fotograf und Künstler im Bergell, published by the Fondazione Garbald and the Bündner Kunstmuseum Chur, with a talk between Stephan Kunz and Hans Danuser, text German and Italian, approx. 240 pages, 170 black and white illustrations