Nomad St. Moritz Captivates with Art, Design and Alpine Elegance

Nomad St. Moritz, the travelling showcase for art and design, returned for its fifteenth edition, this time taking over the former Klinik Gut in the heart of town. What began at Chesa Planta in nearby Samedan has since graced glamorous locations like Monaco, Venice, and Capri. With founders Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte and Giorgio Pace’s distinctive curatorial vision, personal charm, and unmatched network, Nomad continues to follow the glitterati crowd, bringing together après-ski indulgence and cutting-edge creativity.

Beyond the renowned opulence that defines St. Moritz, the town has long been a gathering place for artists, collectors, and tastemakers, and Nomad folds into that legacy. ‘Being part of the fair and contributing to the art-rich history of St. Moritz is always a joy and almost like completing a full circle when we show artists that have a connection with the town.’ said Hester Koper from the esteemed Swiss gallery von Bartha. Unlike the sprawling, chaotic energy of larger art fairs, Nomad offers an intimate and compact experience. Here, there is no dizzying rush through endless aisles; visitors move through carefully composed spaces as if stepping into a collector’s private world. This year, the central location made it easy for fairgoers to return more than once, creating more opportunities for reflection and, possibly, sales. With time to revisit pieces and perhaps a few drinks during lunch, decisions were made more easily.

The fifteenth edition saw an increase in fine art alongside collectible design, making the art-only galleries feel more at home. A palpable trend this year was the growing presence of 20th-century art and design, and even antiques, reflecting the whispered shift in the market. Whether driven by economic volatility or a collective nostalgia in our rapidly changing times, the fair echoed a broader tendency in the art world that signals a renewed appreciation for the old alongside the new. My eyes were hoping to encounter more of the cutting-edge contemporary design that characterized previous editions of the fair. However, it seems the selection may have leaned more towards catering to the tastes of its clientele. Though largely refurbished, most rooms in the former clinic retained its Alpine wood panelling, lending warmth to the tightly packed booths. Materials played a defining role in setting the mood. Murano glass, always a favourite at Nomad, made its presence felt, while the Alpine aesthetic was reinforced through massive wooden designs and plush, furry upholstery.

Among the standout booths, von Bartha’s presentation was impossible to ignore, anchored by the striking Cricketer sculpture by Barry Flanagan at their balcony, which seemed to propel itself toward the Engadine peaks. Louisa Della Piane’s terrace was another highlight, showcasing WHERE IS MY MIND? sculpture by Giovanni De Francesco, fresh out of the studio. By all means, this was complemented by the gallery’s exceptional selection of 20th-century gems, including Gaetano Pesce’s sculptural lamps, glowing like surrealist relics, nestled in one of the nooks of the former Klinik Gut.

The cocktail hosted by Nilufar Gallery to unveil Christian Pellizzari’s Frosted Mirror Syriacus installation was enchanting. Pellizzari’s light sculptures laid on snow played with light and reflection, conjuring mutant creatures in a poetic fusion of flora and fauna. The Italian artist and designer drew on the fragility and beauty of the ecosystem, contrasting with nature’s resilience, conveying a message in an era of climate uncertainty. Unlike the commercial urgency of mass fairs, Nomad fostered a sense of ease. The restaurant was buzzing, adding to the atmosphere of a well-curated retreat rather than a frenzied marketplace. After three days of regaling with art, design, and the Nomad community, one didn’t leave feeling exhausted but rather invigorated. Even the gallerists might agree.

Nomad is an essential pilgrimage for art and design enthusiasts seeking inspiration amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the Alps. It is no wonder the circle returns year after year, drawn not just by the works on display but also by the world Nomad team so carefully builds around them.