In the heart of beautiful Lucerne, where history meets contemporary art, Pius Müller, the visionary founder of Art1a Gallery, is on a mission to elevate the city's cultural landscape. His idea is called ‘Heart of Switzerland’: an open invitation to artists from anywhere in the world to participate and create art inspired by an idyllic Swiss city by the lake.
Paintings, sculptures, photographs, poems - anything creative is welcome, and some of the best pieces will be selected by the founder to make it into the exhibition at Art1a Gallery. Müller hopes to see a mix of artworks that capture the spirit of Lucerne. Even if you've never visited this breathtaking part of the world - let your imagination take you there.
The Swiss Alps are known to inspire many famous artists. I met Pius at the Tate Britain museum in London. An ongoing exhibition of the English Romantic painter Turner titled 'Travels in Europe' takes nine gallery rooms. Turner loved drawing and painting scenes from his travels. As we wandered around, Pius pointed out the painting ‘Castle in an Alpine Valley’. The contours of the pastel-coloured mountain look like the scenery you'd find in the Alps, according to him.
Turner frequently revisited the Swiss mountain Rigi, with views of Lake Lucerne and the nearby valleys, becoming a continual source of inspiration for the artist. The serene lake surrounded by pine-covered mountains drew the attention of writers, musicians, and artists. Victor Hugo, Alexandre Dumas, Albert Bierstadt, Brahms, and Wagner were all inspired by the enchanting and unpredictable beauty of this natural wonder. Queen Victoria, among others, was known for dedicating numerous hours to reach the summit (not without the help of mules, of course).
Lake Lucerne, Switzerland mountain landscape in the summertime. Image: Zach Gilseth / Unsplash.
Pius Muller visiting Tate Britain gallery in London.
Travels indeed are inspiring. “You see different cultures, hear different languages, stories, and learn histories,” says Pius. He smiles when I ask how many languages he speaks. A lot! A well-travelled, multilingual, and world-loving individual, Müller worked as a tour guide for decades, as well as managing cultural events. “When you speak a foreign language, you automatically act differently, think differently”. His travels around the world shaped his deep appreciation for art from across the globe.
"Swiss people are very reserved, mind their own business, and respect privacy; that's why celebrities like to spend time or own homes in Switzerland," Pius remarks, and he is indeed very reserved. His eyes light up when he starts talking about art. “Art has been my companion as a tour guide and cultural events manager through the years. Now, Art1a Gallery is my canvas for expressing this love and making Lucerne an artistic hub," he says.
Art1a gallery in Lucerne, Switzerland.
Art1a gallery in Lucerne, Switzerland.
In a country where few things begin but many things end, as F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Heart of Switzerland” invites the world to connect, to explore the blend of imagination, inspiration, art and history. Pius Müller's vision is not just about showcasing art; it's about connecting people and breaking barriers.
Pius Muller.
Art1a Gallery is strategically located in the historic city on Lake Lucerne. It's all about art and the Heart of Switzerland. And, like Lucerne, the gallery's concept is to welcome the world in connection with the location and its mindset.
To inquire more about how to participate in the 'Heart of Switzerland' art competition, please contact Art1a Gallery and Pius Müller: https://art1a.art/
