The Unseen Giacometti

In 2009, the Bundner Kunstmuseum Chur in Switzerland purchased a hardly known collection of photographs of and drawings by Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966). It comprised highly revealing and in its vast majority previously unpublished material of great interest. The photographs were taken by various photographers, including celebrated artists such as May Ray, Henri Cartier Bresson and Cecil Beaton. They show Giacometti as a young artist bursting with energy during his first stay in Paris and at work at his legendary studios in Paris and his native Val Bregaglia in Switzerland; lighthearted in company of his wife Annette or in discussion with friends; posing with his sculptures and in silent dialogue with his models. Others allow glimpses into the deserted studio or show Giacometti's works. The drawings are mainly sketches on pages of newspapers and magazines. The entire collection adds new aspects and surprising facets to our idea of the artist and person Alberto Giacometti. 'The Unseen Giacometti' documents this treasure with 160 illustrations, comments and essays on selected aspects.