Alpine Foundation
for Art and Science
The Alpine Foundation for Art and Science was established in the upper Valais of the Swiss alps. It brings together artists and scientists – with their creative, lateral thinking, their research and expertise – to solve problems facing our planet.
At its headquarters in the alps, near the source of the Rhône, surrounded by some of Switzerland’s greatest glaciers, the foundation has a bird’s eye view over ancient ice that is melting before our eyes.
Projects
Phytomining
Areas of the upper Valais have been polluted by industry, with metals and toxins in the soil. How does one get them out? One way to do this is by Phytomining.
Certain plants actually absorb heavy metals, which would normally be toxic to other species. Along with scientists who specialize in this field, we grow this crop and harvest the metal. After the roots of the plant absorb the metal into the system, the plants are cut and incinerated. And there, along with the ash, is the metal. We then use the metal to create art – and that, in turn, attracts attention, funding, and spreads the word.
Biorock
Biorock is a material made by passing an electric current between metal electrodes through seawater. Dissolved minerals accumulate over the metal, forming a limestone-like layer, which thickens and hardens over time. This ‘sea rock’ can be used as construction material on land, or as a base for growing coral reefs underwater. It is environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral (it actually removes carbon from the environment). And only a small amount of electricity is needed, which could be provided by a renewable source such as solar panels. For the biorock project, we source material from the environmental organization Coralive in the Maldives.
Board of Directors
Carlo Schmidt
Carlo Schmidt is a co-founder of the foundation, and member of its board. He has been at the center of art in the high Valais for the past half century, working with artists, private institutions and governments.
His art has always focused on the planet: the environment and the human condition. Many of his projects have centered around climate change, social issues and the environment.
His art can involve paint, or minerals secreted underwater, or anything at all. While others might obsess over materials and form, Carlo occupies himself with ideas.
+41 79 250 71 62 / carlo@alpinefoundation.ch
Pinaki
Pinaki has been roaming across continents for the past two decades. He has been telling stories of people in the most remote of places, of their social condition and relation to their environment. He spent seven years with the Bedouin of Oman, and went on to explore Yemen, Iran and Russia, in addition to Southeast Asia and Europe.
He is also a biotechnologist, working with the building blocks of life and helping produce medicine for cancer.
He is a co-founder and member of the board.
+41 79 155 33 38 / pinaki@alpinefoundation.ch