Such an open-ended group exhibition presents an opportunity for accidental encounters and seemingly random juxtapositions of disparate works covering a span of nearly 40 years. The wide-ranging pieces don’t adhere to any preconceived parameters, save for providing the occasion to reveal and revel in representations with transcendent and medicinal values beyond calculation (sometimes for no other reason than that I like these things).

Despite widespread sentiment that we live in a hyper-inflated world of passion investments driven by art, cars, gems and property, a long way from the seemingly simpler, carefree days of former Gstaad resident Peter Sellers and the Pink Panther movies, I couldn’t think of safer and sounder place to park. Yes, the world was smaller, perhaps a little more fun and funny then, but art is the perfect synthesis of learning and entertainment. Besides, galleries offer the last free lunch in town.

Henry Mancini’s ‘Summer in Gstaad’ is a tune characterized by a prevailing feeling of innocence, and though the works in this show are not entirely merry – in fact some downright dark and melancholy– they are still delightful to dwell amongst. When surrounded by art, just about every day is like Christmas and the summer holidays combined. And, in a worst-case scenario, here is the ideal chance for those who don’t like to ski as much as me to pursue something halfway productive.

Kenny Schachter