Exhibition by Gerry Hofstetter “Light is hope” – now at our head office in Küsnacht

The adventure always resonates

For his spectacular lighting, Gerry Hofstetter has had to flee from a horde of jeering monkeys in an Indian province at 48 degrees Celsius, and during one of his trips to the North Pole, he and his crew experienced their ship colliding with a colossus of ice. In the desert, he was caught in a truly intimidating sandstorm and, while the participants at the WEF discussed the future of the world in the warmth, he transformed the snowy slopes of Davos into bright green rice terraces at minus 19 degrees. Always with him: at least 1,700 kilograms of equipment. Whenever possible, he carries the 52-kilogram projector on his back, which he is reluctant to relinquish, despite having the utmost confidence in his team.

Gerry Hofstetter well wrapped up in the mountains (Photo: © Michael Kessler)

A man of many skills

How does one become a light artist? In Gerry Hofstetter’s case, it’s a long and colorful path that has led to this particularly broad horizon and his keen senses. He was once a helicopter pilot, business economist, investment banker, marketing professional, member of the national gymnastics squad and elite troop trainer in the army. A jack-of-all-trades who is at peace with himself and goes through life with the attitude that everyone is the same, whether king, politician or beggar. So the most important thing he has learned is to show humility and respect to everyone by noticing – and in Gerry’s case, by reflecting. You can feel this when you look at the pictures Tiger, Swiss Flag, Iceberg, Ibex, Titanic or Globe, which are exhibited alongside other of his works. These thoughts behind the combination of motif and temporary light carrier, the space between projection and medium, this snapshot when something fleeting meets something solid. This uniqueness, which will not exist a second time, creates an homage to the moment and a symbol of life that is constantly moving forward.

A strong connection: Ginesta and Gerry Hofstetter

It is not only the long acquaintance between artist and exhibitor that connects them. It is also the fact that the relationship between man and the built and natural environment is elementary for both. That something magical can emerge from both. In lighting, when the intention of a picture is brought to life by the right support. In Real Estate, when a lucky buyer becomes the owner of a property that then becomes the center of life for decades, where all the important things in his life take place. This powerful momentum of a perfect combination, when the ephemeral becomes something for eternity. Just as it can be felt in the enchanting pictures at our headquarters.

Finally, the match is made perfect by the fact that Gerry Hofstetter’s daughter Sandrine has been working as a real estate marketer for Ginesta for almost three years. This is of course particularly attractive for anyone interested in visiting us, because if she happens to be there, she will be happy to share one or two details about the stories behind the creation of the individual pictures.

Open to art lovers

You can decide for yourself which of the pictures is your favorite during a free viewing during our opening hours. If you would like to visit as a group, please give us a short call beforehand. If you particularly like one of the works, it may soon be hanging in your home.

Gerry Hofstetter in the movie theater of his ArtLounge in front of one of his famous works. (Photo: © Michael Trost)

Key visual: Matterhorn (Photo: © Frank Schwarzbach)