Switzerland, 1924 - 2023

Hermann Alfred Sigg

Herman Alfred Sigg, an important contemporary Swiss artist, is known for his abstract, lyrical landscapes with spiritual and introspective elements. Growing up in Oberhasli, his path led from an agricultural background to studying at the School of Applied Arts in Zurich and the Académie André Lhote in Paris. His numerous travels, especially to Southeast Asia, influenced his characteristic aerial landscapes. Over 70 years of artistic creation in painting and sculpture reflects themes such as inner search and enlightenment, inspired by works such as “Siddhartha” by Hermann Hesse. His works, which often depict water and rivers, combine nature with lyrical abstraction, abstract expressionism and color field painting.

curriculum vitae and events

1924 - 1940s

Herman Alfred Sigg was born in Zurich, Switzerland and grew up on a farm in Oberhasli. He studies at the School of Applied Arts in Zurich, where he is taught by teachers such as Johannes Itten, a former Bauhaus master.


Late 1940s

Sigg deepened his artistic training at the Académie André Lhote in Paris, where he was particularly enthusiastic about French art and culture as well as the works of the Post-Impressionists, especially Bonnard.


1950s

In this decade, Sigg begins to find his own artistic voice. His figurative paintings of this period clearly show the influence of Bonnard.


1960s

Sigg's style continues to develop and he begins to turn more towards abstract art. He is inspired by the Dada movement and artists like Jean Tinguely.

1968

A trip to Southeast Asia as an "artist in heaven" for Swissair marked a turning point in Siggs' career. He begins painting aerial landscapes inspired by his observations from the cockpit.


1970s - 1980s

Sigg's work becomes increasingly abstract and spiritual. He continues to travel and draw inspiration from places like Angkor Wat in Cambodia and other cultures.


1990s

Sigg begins by creating sculptures and later returns to painting to begin his series "In the Middle Kingdom". His works from this period are meditative and mystical, often inspired by literature and philosophy, such as Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha".

2000 - 2023

Sigg continues his artistic career by further developing his unique landscape and interior depictions. His exhibitions take place both in Switzerland and internationally, and he is particularly recognized in the USA.

Herman Alfred Sigg died on November 17, 2023 at the age of 99 in Oberhasli.

Artworks