FROM SNOW TO SCULPTURE: A POSTCARD FROM VERBIER WITH KIKI THOMPSON
Kiki Thompson’s journey as an artist is as dynamic and diverse as the landscapes that inspire her. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, and shaped by her formative years in New York, Kiki studied Art and French at Anglia Ruskin University in Cambridge. Her path then took a thrilling turn as she embraced the life of a professional snowboarder, following the World Cup Circuit and carving lines down mountains across the hemispheres.
This unique blend of experiences has profoundly influenced her work as a sculptor, where the sinuous lines of her art mirror the trails left on fresh snow. In this feature, Kiki shares a personal postcard from Verbier, where she explores the fluidity of form and the intriguing interplay between what the eye can see and what the mind imagines, revealing how the rugged beauty of the Alps continues to shape her creative vision.
This is Kiki’s postcard from Verbier:
Greetings from the breathtaking Verbier! This alpine paradise is renowned for its stunning scenery and thrilling outdoor adventures, but for me, it’s also a deep well of artistic inspiration. Living here, surrounded by ever-changing landscapes and dramatic weather, profoundly influences my work as a sculptor. Whether I’m gazing out a window, hiking a mountain trail, or carving down the slopes, the views feed my soul and drive my creativity. There’s an energy here that you can’t help but absorb.
My journey from professional snowboarding to sculpting is a testament to my connection with these mountains. During my years on the World Cup Circuit, I was always sketching and painting watercolours during my travels, capturing the lines and movements in the snow. These tracks told stories of the rider’s feelings—whether they were nervous, in the zone, or going fast. Those fluid lines are woven into my sculptures, capturing movement, light, shadow, and rhythm, much like the trails left on the snow.
The Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park Residency, which I co-founded, was born from this passion. The idea first sparked when Madeleine Paternot and I met in New York during a residency at the School of Visual Arts. We both wanted to create a sculpture park in Verbier that featured site-specific work by Swiss and international artists. Initially, we hosted multiple artists in a makeshift studio in the main parking lot of Verbier, encouraging public interaction and demystifying the art-making process. Over time, we refined this concept to focus on one artist at a time, allowing for a deeper, research-based experience and stronger bonds with the local community.
My approach to sculpture is deeply inspired by nature’s dynamic and ephemeral qualities. I aim to capture movement, light, and the spaces around forms, using materials that suggest fluidity and transformation. By leaving parts of my work abstract, I invite viewers to engage and mentally complete the sculpture, echoing the ever-changing nature of the world around us.
Kiki Thompson
Samsara, 2011
Verbier’s relationship between art and the environment is profound. The natural landscape provides a unique backdrop that enhances the experience of contemporary art. The sculptures in the Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park interact directly with the environment, creating a dialogue between art and nature. The changing seasons and light add a dynamic element, making each visit to the park a new experience.
Exhibiting my work here in Verbier is unlike any other venue. The alpine environment, with its breathtaking scenery and changing weather, creates a dynamic interaction between the sculptures and the landscape, integrating the art with nature. This experience is immersive and engaging, as the art feels alive and responsive to its surroundings.
Working on Christo’s Umbrellas Project in California back in 1991 had a lasting impact on me. It taught me to think big and appreciate the public’s engagement with art. This experience influenced the creation of the sculpture park and residency, emphasising education and interaction with the local community.
Verbier’s mix of cultures and interests creates a vibrant creative energy. The town draws people from all over the world, from extreme sports enthusiasts to art lovers, fostering a unique atmosphere where different perspectives inspire one another. This diversity makes Verbier a lively and inspiring place, constantly evolving and growing with the shared enthusiasm of its community.
I hope visitors to the Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park come away with a deeper appreciation for the relationship between art and nature. By experiencing art in this stunning outdoor setting, I want them to see how art can complement and interact with the environment, creating a dialogue that enriches both. The park adds a cultural layer to Verbier, enhancing its reputation as a hub for contemporary art.
Verbier’s creative community is thriving, characterised by its openness to experimentation and collaboration. As the town continues to evolve, the creative community will play a crucial role in shaping its identity, attracting a wider variety of visitors, and ensuring Verbier remains a dynamic and multifaceted destination.
For those interested in exploring Verbier’s art scene, I recommend visiting the Verbier 3-D Sculpture Park, Creative Space, and the Palp Festival in Bruson. Keep an eye out for pop-up galleries and events showcasing local artists.
From Snow To Sculpture: A Postcard From Verbier With Kiki Thompson
If I were to send a postcard from Verbier, it would capture a skier or snowboarder making a huge powder turn around one of the sculptures in the sculpture park, with a panoramic view of the snow-capped mountains bathed in the golden light of sunset. The message would read:
“Greetings from Verbier, Wish you were here to experience the magic!”
Warmest regards,
Kiki
