communiqué de presse

Leukerbad, November 14, 2024

Graffiti tenor Mode 2 sets the Swiss Alps ablaze with a spectacular, committed mural in the heart of Leukerbad.

At a time of record-breaking heat around the world, Mode 2, the Berlin-based British artist of Mauritian origin, unveils a monumental 200 m² fresco at the foot of the glaciers. The flamboyant work erected on the Sportarena complex bears witness to the transformation of mountain regions and current environmental concerns.

This work, created as part of Art Valais OPEN AIR MUSEUM, marks an important milestone for the world’s largest open-air urban art museum. The culmination of a series of ten frescoes developed by Art Valais in 2024, it marks the culmination of a first cantonal artistic journey on the theme of water, and the release of 40 mini-documentaries revealing the history of each project. Today, this unique museum offers around one hundred large-scale frescoes to be discovered freely in public spaces and via the “Art Valais” mobile app.

A dialogue between thermal tradition and contemporary urban art
Beneath the vertiginous cliffs of the Daubenhorn, this creation entitled “51 degrees” establishes a striking bridge between the centuries-old thermal heritage of Leukerbad and burning environmental issues. The warm tones chosen by the artist evoke both the 51°C of the thermal springs and the warming temperatures that are influencing the transformation of our alpine regions and lifestyles.

Seven tableaux, a symphony of movement for a paradigm shift
Renowned for its unique figurative style, Mode 2 deploys here seven dynamic scenes, each celebrating an emblematic activity of the region: from skateboarding to climbing, fitness, cycling, minigolf, tennis and camping. Each scene is an ode to movement, inspired by the fluidity of water and the strength of the alpine elements. Behind its illustrations, the composition underlines the village’s adaptation to become a family and sports destination geared towards new generations and contemporary practices adapted to the four seasons.

A reflection on humility and nature
By playing with scale, the artist reminds us of the power of the natural environment surrounding Leukerbad. Seen from up close, the figures in the composition appear imposing, but the viewer regains a perspective of humility by stepping back from the majestic cliffs above. A subtle way of reminding us of man’s place in nature, and underlining the importance of considering our surroundings.

About the artist Mode 2
At the age of 56, Mode 2 has established himself as an iconic figure in graffiti, having left his mark on the history of this art form since the 1980s. A pioneer of the movement, his influence extends over several generations of creators, making him a living legend of urban art. A committed and uncompromising artist, Mode 2 meticulously selects his projects. His presence and his works, which are virtually rare in Switzerland, make his participation in Art Valais’ OPEN AIR MUSEUM an invaluable opportunity for art lovers to immerse themselves in his unique universe in the heart of the Alps. This exceptional collaboration offers Leukerbad and the canton of Valais the opportunity of enhanced visibility, while enriching their cultural appeal thanks to the international influence of this emblematic artist.
www.mode2.org

About Art Valais OPEN AIR MUSEUM
Nestled in the heart of the Swiss Alps, Art Valais OPEN AIR MUSEUM is the largest
open-air urban art museum in the world. Founded by artist Jasm One, this unique museum is run by the Art Valais Wallis (AVW) association, in collaboration with the communes, the State of Valais, a monitoring group and an international jury. Initially focusing on the theme of water, Art Valais brings urban art to the heart of the Alps to raise public awareness of the value of our natural and cultural resources. This living museum covers an Alpine territory of 5,224 km², linking the Rhône glacier at
St-Gingolph and Lake Geneva.
www.artvalais.com

About Leukerbad / Loèhe-les-Bains
In the high-altitude spa town of Leukerbad, 3.9 million liters of 51°C water gush from 65 thermal springs. These springs have accelerated the development of Leukerbad as a tourist destination, making it Switzerland’s largest spa and wellness resort. Today, in addition to a rehabilitation center, the resort offers numerous public thermal baths. Whether you’re a skier in winter or a hiker in summer, there’s hardly anyone who doesn’t take the opportunity to regenerate in the hot water after a hard day’s work. Leukerbad has a car-free town center and offers indoor sports activities in all seasons, whatever the weather, in the many halls of the multi-purpose “Sportarena” sports center in Leukerbad. Today, the resort is already home to two large-scale frescoes joining the OPEN AIR MUSEUM.
www.leukerbad.ch

Information
Jasm One (Issam Rezgui), founder of Art Valais OPEN AIR MUSEUM – T. 079 772 00 52 – E. info@artvalais.com
Florent Moos, town councillor, Leukerbad – T. 077 432 70 36 – E. florent.moos@leukerbad.org

Mode 2’s mini-documentary
’51 degrés’ in Leukerbad