Marking Peter Doig’s first return to snowscapes since the 1990s, the "Zermatt Series" consists of six limited-edition Giclée prints on Cotton Smooth Rag. This thematic body of work was conceived in 2018, when Doig’s friend, Swiss architect and artist Heinz Julen, offered him his chalet in the idyllic ski town as inspiration to capture the surrounding scenes. Conceptually inspired by vintage ski posters designed to promote tourism to the mountains, the collection features dynamic skiers set against majestic, snow-covered landscapes—simple yet captivating and energetic. These characteristics prompted Doig to create his own series of painted posters.
Relying solely on his memory to recreate images inspired by his experiences in Zermatt, Doig drew from a wide range of influences – the town’s deep religious traditions, the perilous nature of its landscapes, and his own memories of skiing and the slopes. Additionally, his perception of the resort town was shaped by Derek Walcott’s evocative descriptions of Zermatt in his 2006 poem series "Prodigal". The six Zermatt paintings, which Doig considers the most 'poster-like' in both size and appearance, have been translated into prints.
“ Painting becomes interesting when it becomes timeless. „