Claire Ochsner

Claire Ochsner is a Swiss sculptor famous for her colorful and unique forms, especially the ones with moving parts. Interested in painting and sculpting since childhood, she completed her studies in mathematics then devoted herself to the fine arts, attending academies in Zurich, Amsterdam, and Basel. At first she worked in picture books for children, then in painting and graphics, but she soon began to construct large and small sculptures as well as mobiles. She is a member of the Swiss professional artists’ organization Visarte, and in 2007 – 2014 she was a member of the Basellandschaft Art Commission.

The focus of her oeuvre is on large, colorful sculptures, many of which move and constantly change shape, powered by renewable energy, (wind, water or solar). Each work, with its brilliant colors, organic shapes, lively motion and floating lightness, is designed to lure the enchanted observer into a magical world, awakening a playfulness that is easily forgotten in our busy contemporary society.

Ochsners works appeal to people of all ages, whether lovers of contemporary art or not. No doubt this is because the organic, smooth forms that take shape in her hands give the viewer a sense of wonder coming from the creative power of nature.

Her studio and gallery in the Basel suburb of Frenkendorf are a imaginative fantasy world, with numerous sculptures. Paintings and mobiles are displayed in the indoor gallery.

Collaborating with outstandingly skilled craftsmen to fabricate her sculptures, Ochsner builds them out of contemporary materials such as metal, fiberglass reinforced polyester, stainless steel ball bearings, durable acrylic paints and high quality two-component varnish.

In fall and winter the sculpture garden is illuminated at night. Popular are guided tours with the artist herself, and concerts held in a dreamlike atmosphere.

In 2015, the Claire Ochsner Artist house opened in Riehen near Basel, opposite the world famous museum Fondation Beyeler.

The artist house holds a variety of events, from guided tours to workshops for an in-depth appreciation of the artworks.

Ochsner has received many awards, and her sculptures and mobiles have been set up in public spaces all over Switzerland. Link. She has also designed building façades. Abroad, her works can be seen in countries including France, the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, India, Canada, China and South Africa.