From Faro to Lucerne.

Renowned artist Tom Leamon brings his unique vision to ART1a Gallery, thanks to the insightful collaboration with founder Pius Müller. Their partnership, sparked by a successful pop-up exhibit in Portugal years ago, now flourishes in the heart of Switzerland. Through a blend of traditional and digital art, Leamon’s upcoming exhibition promises to immerse visitors in the rich cultural tapestry of the region, reflecting ART1a’s innovative approach to conceptual art.

Exhibit in Faro

Pius Müller, the visionary founder of ART1a Gallery, first encountered the exceptional artist Tom Leamon in Faro, Portugal. Müller had an unused piece of real estate in the heart of Faro, which he offered for a pop-up exhibit. This event showcased Leamon’s mesmerising work, a unique blend of calligraphy, type, and pictures that resonated deeply with the visitors.

“I had framed 40 or 50 paintings and picked a collection of work that best suited the space. It was a mix and match of abstract, figurative, and expressionist works,” said Tom when asked about the exhibition.

Reflecting on that exhibit, Müller recalls, “Tom Leamon’s exhibit was fascinating. His combination of calligraphy, type, and pictures was both sensible and incredibly successful.”

Reconnection

The impression Leamon left on Müller lingered long after the Faro exhibit. Inspired by the idea of bringing Leamon’s artistic vision to Switzerland, Müller reached out to him. Leamon agreed, and they reconnected in Lucerne at the beginning of May.

Müller took Leamon on a sightseeing tour around the picturesque lake, sharing the rich history and stories of the region’s past artists. During this initial visit, Leamon began creating sketches and conceptualising his new work, his creative energy filling the space.

“There’s just so much beautiful history, and walking around, every nook and cranny you looked at was amazing. It reminded me very much of travelling and being in an environment where I was able to imagine again and be really enthusiastic,” Leamon reflected.

“I told him about the history and some of the artists who lived here, and he was already taking sketches,” Müller noted with a smile. Though not yet in a formal residency, Leamon requested materials like an old Olivetti typewriter, vintage frames, and wood pieces, which he used to start developing his ideas.

Tom Leamon in ART1a

ART1a Konceptkunst atelier has a distinctive approach to exhibitions. Unlike traditional galleries where artists bring completed works, ART1a emphasises creating art that reflects the essence of Switzerland. Müller explained, “the idea is to enter an artist’s mind and incorporate that into his reflection through art about the area. That’s my challenge.”

This innovative approach involves artists deeply in the process of understanding and interpreting the region’s landscapes, stories, and artistic heritage, fostering a profound connection between the art, the artist, and the locale.

Leamon appreciated this opportunity, stating, “being given the opportunity to live and breathe what you’re making is completely new to me. I haven’t done residency so much, so it’s really exciting to have the freedom that I have been given.”

Müller holds Leamon in high regard, stating, “Tom is an educated artist forging his own path, making a name for himself in the art world steadily but solidly.”

Leamon’s ability to connect with other artists and sell his work in prominent markets like London underscores his influence and talent. “He is a real door-opener, very well-connected, and has sold quite a lot of work in London to companies and collections,” Müller added.

Heart of Switzerland by Tom Leamon

Though still in its early stages, the project promises to be a multifaceted exhibition. In addition to traditional paintings, it will feature sculptures, three-dimensional work, typewriting, and digital art. The process will be open to the public, allowing visitors to witness the installation and interact with Leamon.

Leamon shared his vision for the exhibition, saying, “there will be a series of pieces about death. I was fascinated when I first came here. One of the bridges has many artworks about being chased by death and the idea that death is right by your side. That became a bit of a constant theme inside my head, and it is, anyway, within my work.”

He also mentioned, “I plan to show three oil paintings mainly based around nature. I’m doing oil painting for the first time in my life, so that’s really exciting for me. Then, I have a series of works that are kind of taken from the ways that I work already. There is a triptych that I’m working on specifically for Lucerne.”

Müller is optimistic about the exhibit, saying, “this will be a great exhibit, and I have a good feeling about his work on the Heart of Switzerland.” Leamon’s ability to engage with the public and collaborate with other artists enhances the interactive and communal aspect of the project.

“He’s fascinating on a social and artistic level. He’s not just the artist who works at home for himself. No, he does it all in groups, considering other artists, making events, and opening doors for artists,” Müller observed.

Pius Müller and Tom Leamon’s collaboration is set to create a remarkable and immersive art experience that captures the spirit of Switzerland and showcases the innovative vision of ART1a Gallery.