Exhibition Chuäfödlä - Christoph Fuchs

Description

A tribute to the Appenzellerland in stone and wood There are artists who paint their homeland. And then there is Christoph Fuchs, who chisels it. The stone and wood sculptor from the Appenzeller Vorderland has found a unique way to capture the special character of this region: He creates "Chuäfödlä" – cow rears, carved in stone or worked out of wood, with artisanal precision and a distinctive wink. Christoph Fuchs grew up in the canton of Zurich but has long since given his heart to the Appenzellerland. The first spark was kindled in childhood: At his grandparents' place in Göbsi near Haslen, he discovered the landscape, the animals, and the traditions of the Appenzellerland. These early impressions would shape his entire life. After training as a structural draftsman, he ventured into the wide world – spending a year each in the USA and South America – before finally settling in the Appenzeller Vorderland. There he built and renovated Appenzeller houses, worked as an architectural model maker, and continuously furthered his education in art, design, and sculpture. Since then, as a freelance artist, he has exhibited both nationally and internationally. The decisive encounter with the "Chuäfödlä" came in 2008. Christoph Fuchs was invited to Art Herisau – under the main theme "Alpstein." Searching for a motif that truly embodied this term, he recalled the autumn cattle markets held in many villages of the Appenzellerland. There, cows stand patiently and almost militarily lined up, waiting for inspection by cattle show experts – and are mostly admired from behind by visitors. Diverse yet each different, each a character in its own right. This everyday yet impressive image captivated Fuchs. He took up chisel and hammer – and created his first "Chuäfödlä." The response exceeded all expectations. The charming cow rears made of stone and wood delighted people far beyond the Appenzellerland. Today, they stand all over the world: with homesick Appenzellers in distant countries, in museums, and renowned galleries. They have become Fuchs' unmistakable trademark – precisely crafted, full of expression, and rich in subtle meaning. Now the artist presents a selection of his works in Eichberg, in the garden and gallery of the House zur alten Sonne. In addition to the "Chuäfödlä" in various formats and materials, other sculptures and paintings are also on display, highlighting another equally fascinating aspect of his work. The exhibition invites you to marvel, smile, and discover.