The French artist, known for his monumental frescoes found around the world, unveiled this new ephemeral piece painted directly on the snow at over 2,000 meters altitude in the mountains of the Paradiski ski area (Savoie-France). The work, titled “Encordés,” consists of two creations, made with 100% natural and eco-friendly charcoal paint. Each of the two frescoes covers an area of 1,000 m².
In the artwork “Encordés,” two children combine their efforts to scale a mountain and pave the way forward. Bound together, these two central figures are required to work in unison. Neither can progress without the other. Their strength is complementary as they join hands to conquer the impossible. The snowy mountains, with their majestic and magical landscapes, form a striking contrast to the setting these young adventurers find themselves in. Mirroring the unity of these children, Paradiski has linked two valleys and resorts; once distant, and now brought closer together.
Saype describes the creation of his artwork: “What inspired me in this Paradiski project was the connection between these stations via this incredible cable car and the decision of the local people to live, collaborate, and work together within the same ski area for 20 years. The mountain inspires me; it is both a beautiful postcard and a potentially hostile high-altitude environment, especially for creating my ephemeral artwork. For logistics and execution, we faced numerous challenges (weather, wind, cold…). In my artistic expression, the purity of childhood is a recurrent motif, serving to impart a layer of poetic depth. By drawing this roped pair of children, I wanted to show that working together and trusting each other, is essential to move forward and overcome the challenges we face. A significant part of my work involves connecting people, and the project proposed by Paradiski for its 20th anniversary resonates with my work.”
From Paradiski’s perspective, Saype’s artistic choice was a natural fit, as his frescoes are meaningful and tell beautiful stories that have the power to unite. His approach using eco-friendly paint (chalk and charcoal-based) and his conception of art, aimed at impacting mindsets and society without impacting nature, was compelling. This approach resonates even more in the mountain environment, where climate changes are felt very tangibly. Starting December 20, skiers will discover the photo making-of of the two works in the Vanoise Express cable car stations, located in Montchavin-Les-Coches and Peisey-Vallandry.
Who is French Land Artist Saype?
In his monumental ephemeral frescoes created worldwide on grass, earth, sand, and snow, artist Saype captures the fragility of our societies and the challenges we face. Locations include New York, Paris, Venice, Geneva, Cape Town, Turin, Dubai, Nairobi, Istanbul, Ouagadougou, and Miami. His artworks, designed to fade naturally, aim to impact mindsets while respecting the environment. Created with eco-friendly paint mainly composed of chalk and charcoal, after disappearing, Saype’s works find their place in museums, galleries, and cultural institutions globally. www.saype.com
Paradiski: A Ski Area Eager for Bold Encounters
In 2003, Paradiski came to life in the Alps by uniting the resorts of Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, and La Plagne, becoming the world’s third-largest ski area. Spanning several massifs of the Vanoise, it offers 425 kilometers of slopes, 70% of which are over 2,000 meters in altitude. With the inauguration of the Vanoise Express, an extraordinary double-decker cable car creating more than just a physical connection over the valley, Paradiski created the unexpected meeting of two mountains. This boldness continues to guide Paradiski’s energy in offering surprising and memorable initiatives, staging the cabins of its cable car. Each cultural and sporting event imagined was a world first performed at 380 meters above the ground: whether it be the two artistic coverings of the cabins by the famous visionary creator Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, the Sky Dinner with Michelin-starred chef Stéphane Froidevaux, the Gravity highline crossing between the two cabins by funambulists Julien Millot and the late Tancrède Melet, or the spectacular MTB trail stunts by three riders, including world champion Kenny Belaey. In essence, offering experiences that blend people, generations, horizons, and cultures is a true leitmotif. In 2023, celebrating its 20th anniversary, Paradiski continues to dare, making the mountains a space conducive to all encounters. One of its uniquenesses and the legacy it wants to perpetuate. www.paradiski.com
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