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Saype, a socially conscious land artist
As you move through the various displays, you will discover the artist Saype, his unique approach and his works, whether in Villars or around the world. As a socially conscious artist, Saype seeks above all to move his audience through the power of his creations. Through his work, he explores key themes such as
technology, human connection, as well as diversity and inclusion.
This choice of themes is deeply rooted in his personal journey and his worldview.
In an exclusive interview he granted us in December 2024, Saype shared his commitment and explained how his art, both ephemeral and monumental, aims to raise awareness and spark collective reflection.
Throughout this feature, you will also find quotes from him that shed further light on his artistic approach and convictions. These words, taken directly from the artist, offer a deeper insight into his world and his philosophy.
Methodology
Saype creates monumental murals on grass, in harmony with nature. Inspired by the history of the location, he sketches his works before tracing them onto the ground, playing with perspective to create an aerial effect.
For Saype, the creation of a work is not limited to the drawing itself. It is based on in-depth preparatory work, incorporating respect for the site, its biodiversity and topography, as well as the message he wishes to convey.
Created using natural pigments (charcoal, chalk), his paintings fade over time, embodying an ephemeral art form that explores memory and the fleeting moment. To extend this approach, he also creates works intended for collectors and institutions, serving as lasting testaments to his work.
Stages of a work
- Research into the philosophy to be conveyed through the work, by studying the topography, history and culture of the site.
- Aerial photography of the site using a drone to provide an overall view.
- Creation of a paper sketch and scaling on the ground using a grid of stakes: 1 cm on the sketch represents 4 m on the ground.
- Sketching the colour gradients to be applied to harmonise the work with its surroundings.
- Painting the murals directly onto the ground, taking into account perspective and integration with the natural environment.
The ethics of an ephemeral art form
Through his work, Saype seeks to move people whilst raising awareness of environmental issues. Aware of the need to minimise the impact of his creations, he has spent ten years studying the effect of his painting on the environment.
Painting
- SITE ANALYSIS - Preliminary study of the topography and biodiversity to preserve ecosystems.
- RESPECT FOR NATURAL CYCLES - Adaptation to the seasons and local species, without invasive intervention.
- EPHEMERAL WORKS - Designed to disappear, emphasising the fragility of and respect for nature.
Travel
- He favours the train for journeys under 1,000 km to limit his carbon footprint.
- Saype groups his murals together within the same timeframe, during major trips, to reduce his journeys, optimise his travel and limit his environmental impact.
Reduced impact on natural spaces
- SYMBOLIC SITES - Saype chooses iconic locations to strengthen the link between art and nature and convey a powerful message.
- EPHEMERAL PAINTINGS - His works respect the landscapes by fading away naturally, thereby preserving the integrity of the sites.
Vers l’horizon (2025)
French-Swiss artist Saype realized a giant landart painting on July 18th, 2025 at Villlars-sur-Ollon (CH) on the Grand Chamossaire slope. With an overall area of 2’500 square meters, this artwork was created using biodegradable pigments made out of charcoal & chalk. With this new fresco, Saype continues the poetic narrative he began on the peaks of Villars several years ago. After building, observing, contemplating, and drawing, the child returns to the forefront, ready to cross a threshold.
Étoile polaire (2024)
In the summer of 2024, a new temporary mural by Saype came to life on the face of the Grand Chamossaire, offering hikers and visitors a spectacular work in harmony with nature entitled ‘Polar Star’.
Set at the summit of the mountain, a little girl closes her books and lies down beneath the stars to fall asleep. Before closing her eyes, she gazes at the sky and feels the sheer immensity of the universe unfolding before her. When looking at the stars, we often become aware of the tiny place we occupy in the vastness of the cosmos. Some may find this dizzying or frightening, but for this little girl, this moment of contemplation brings her instead a deep sense of peace and fulfilment.
Is the Sun meeting the Moon? (2023)
Two giant eco responsible landart painting by Saype in Villars-sur-Ollon (CH) at Le Grand Chamossaire and at col de Bretaye. Both artworks were created using natural pigments made out of charcoal and chalk. This artwork represents two children drawing their world from their own point of view. Depicting a world above and below, day and night, celestial and terrestrial, their childlike sketches respond to each other, suggesting the complementarity of opposites.
Towards Balance (2022)
A giant biodegradable landart painting entitled "Vers l'equilibre" (Towards balance, in French) by French-Swiss artist Saype is pictured near the summit of the Grand Chamossaire mountain, above the alpine resort of Villars-sur-Ollon, Switzerland, Wednesday
Fancy finding out more about the Grand Chamossaire?
Visit the dedicated page and be inspired by one of the peaks of Villars-sur-Ollon.
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