Gallaria
Home of Engadine FineArt photography
Welcome to L‘Atelier, a fine art photo gallery located in the heart of St. Moritz. Presenting contemporary photography by the local photographer Gian Giovanoli from Sils Maria. Step into a world where art and nature intertwine, captivating your senses and leaving you in awe of the wonders that surround us. We take you on a visual journey allowing to discover details, dimensions and see things differently.
Gian’s work is known for impressive large format landscape scenery, various fusion works of the alpine culture that surrounds him and documentary photography of nomadic herders far away from the Engadine. Each photograph in our collection is a limited edition, hand-signed and numbered by the photographer.
From Piz Bernina to the hills of Soglio
They say that every moment counts. Gian’s work captures the essence of unique moments in the nature. Moments which are for eternity. From Piz Bernina to the shores of lake Sils and the hills of Soglio, they show the mountains and valleys from the Engadine and Bregaglia. Gian’s homeland - heaven of landscape photography. They are of a great personal significance to him, and so they are also reflected in his works. From the play of light on mountain summits at dawn to the vibrant colors of alpine flora against a backdrop of clear blue skies, the photographs reflect the diverse and ever-changing moods of the alpine scenery. Each photograph invites you to pause, breathe, and immerse yourself in the serene stillness of nature. It serves as a window to a world that transcends the everyday, transporting you to a realm of tranquility and serenity.
Sgrafits
The engravings on the facades of our old mountain-houses are hundreds of years old and tell stories of luck, hope, believe and safety. Every form has its own meaning. They belong to us, so Gian brought them closer to our soul. Painted as tribal tattoos or projected by shadows of warm sunlight they combine superstition and esthetics.
Alpine animal portraits
The alpine region, with its breathtaking scenery and challenging terrains, is the perfect stage for unique wild life photography. The series delves into the lives of different alpine animals. The photographs show the animals in an impressive and authentic way and how they navigate their existence in the high altitudes.
S-chelleda
“s-chelleda” combines tradition and the well-tried cowbell. The warmly toned photographs show our tradition in a unique but authentic way. Cowbells are not only culture and ornamentation for one's own cattle. They also attest to the wealth of the owner and fulfil the magical task of keeping evil spirits away from the alp.
The over 250-year-old cow bells shown in the photographs are true pieces of art and not only a means to an end. Often the most valuable bells are hung on a log to protect them and decorate the room. The muffled and melodious sound of a large bell, a so-called "Plumpa” has a magical effect. They are often heard at alpine processions and at various cultural festivities, such as the Chalandamarz.
Suot Nolla
We took them for granted over all these years but only recently we realized how fragile and ephemeral they really are – frozen structures. “Suot nolla” is a photographic journey along lake Sils showing large format photographs of forms and patterns that arise when the temperatures drop below zero. Wide fields of fresh fallen snow, delicate ice crystals and snow-covered larch trees. From beginning of winter to the snowy month of march Gian visited Lake Sils to document the freezing of water.
Fluors da la Val Fex
In the serene valley of Fex, Gian Giovanoli discovers a profound love for nature, particularly the connection to his mother's deep affection for mountain flowers. He uniquely captures these blooms, infusing their delicate structures with a touch of emotion and artistry.
Take me to St. Moritz
Gian was born in Sils Maria. Growing up in a tiny village, he found the town of St. Moritz to be a magical place. As a passionate young ski racer, he loved all kinds of winter sports, and St. Moritz was the hub for major sporting events. However, it wasn't just the daytime activities that fascinated him. In the 80s and 90s, the St. Moritz nightlife was legendary—a forbidden fruit for a young athlete. When he turned sixteen, he experienced his first nights in the town's bars and clubs, which were filled with famous people and beautiful girls. These vivid memories stayed with him, and it was finally time to bring them to life on paper.
This photographic series was born from his memories of a time when St. Moritz was sporty and sexy at the same time.
The herders project
For over a decade, Gian Giovanoli has been documenting the lives of nomadic and semi-nomadic herders around the world. This ongoing project narrates tales of love and dependency on livestock. The collection is regularly exhibited at the gallery.
Flurina
"Flurina" means little flower in Rumantsch and is also a girl's name. This photography series was created with these two elements in mind. The photos are entirely unedited—handmade makeup blends with the vibrant colors of the alpine flora.
Culture Clash
The traditional Engadin Sunday dress owes its existence to migration. In the early days, before tourism arrived in the valley, men traveled to distant countries for work and brought back garments as gifts for their wives. Silk came from France, wool from Russia, and amber from the Baltic Sea. This project showcases the beauty of a dress made from both Engadin and foreign materials, worn by girls with Swiss and international roots.
Esquiador hasta la muerte
"Esquiador hasta la muerte" translates to "Skier until I die." This is a playful photo collection celebrating the skiing culture of the Alps and the desire to ski until we can no longer. Inspired by the Mexican tradition of honoring the dead - frozen in ice.
