doug aitken reflects on the mirror-clad 'mirage gstaad' in a video journey to the swiss alps

doug aitken continues his virtual road trip through the creative process in an exclusive, ongoing video series with designboom, shared during the unpredictable times that COVID-19 has provoked. each of the short films has been shot in a different location, and documents the artist’s diverse work — from a permanent architecture and sound installation in the brazilian rainforest, to series of sculptural bodies sited inside an abandoned storefront in los angeles. aitken’s visual sojourn invites viewers on a creative odyssey across landscape, artistic expression and societal currents — from wherever in the world they are experiencing this unprecedented moment in time.

in the fourth installment of the video series, aitken reflects on the site-specific ‘mirage gstaad’ set in the swiss alps. standing in contrast to the surrounding chalets, this mirror-clad, ranch-style installation cuts, divides and bends light waves, reflecting the sublime alpine landscape as part of a continually changing encounter between land and sky, subject and object.

‘mirage’ has been on a journey of its own, traveling from the mojave desert in california, to inside an abandoned bank building in detroit before finally resting in the swiss alps. the structure — a dwelling devoid of its inhabitants — now functions in response to its environment. seen in the video above during a harsh winter storm, the artwork seemingly disappears between the absorption and reflection of the surrounding landscape. as visitors navigate their own experience, inside and outside are in constant flux, igniting an ever-changing kaleidoscope of light and reflection. in removing ‘mirage’ from the confines of a gallery or museum, the artwork offers viewers the chance to author their own experience within the landscape. beyond the boundaries of a closed environment, viewers can interact directly with the sculpture and take away an encounter — an ephemeral moment in time.

‘we have an increasing desire to find ourselves stepping into the unknown,’ aitken shares. see more from doug aitken’s virtual road trip through the creative process, stay tuned as designboom continues the series across our site, and on instagram.

doug aitken, mirage gstaad, 2019
mirrored aluminum composite, wood and steel | installation view at elevation 1049, gstaad, switzerland
all images courtesy of the artist and LUMA foundation
photo by doug aitken workshop (also main image)