Art & culture

You may well walk right past without realising, but this sculpture is staring you in the face in one of Geneva’s busiest squares. Just one of a whole panoply of equally interactive and intriguing pieces by Swiss sculptor Markus Raetz, this work was designed especially for the spot which it currently occupies.

Begin at the south-western corner of the square, on the opposite side of the road to the sculpture itself, and the metallic rods spell out the word ‘NON’; move across to the south-eastern corner and they become ‘OUI’. Then go up for a closer look: it’s more complicated than you think.

As with much of Raetz’ work, which is known across the globe and displayed in a number of cities in Europe and the United States, the interaction of the sculpture with the movement of the onlooker stirs up questions of perception and perspective, but it is also interesting to think about the technical input which it required: a glance at the many technical drawings which went into the process reveal the precision which went into the success of the final result.

OUI/NON was a donation from the Fondation Hélène et Victor Barbour to the City of Geneva.

A skatescene needs to be supplied with boards, trucks, wheels and such… Hence the need for skate shops. In Geneva there are quite a few such as Tranzport in Eaux-Vives, Doodah near Rond-Point de Rive, Pulp68 in Chatelaine. But my favorite is 242 Shop in Plainpalais for their straight skateboarding and style approach and atmosphere.

In the back office local skaters are cutting their videos and shopkeeper Jason – himself a local skate-legend – is always up for a chat. Besides established brands like Vans, Nike SB amongst others they sell local skateboard brands (like their own 242 Skateboards and Geneva’s Thanks Skateboards) and clothing labels and exclusive brands you wouldn’t find in everybody and their mamma’s shop… Don’t miss the new 242 clothing line with fresh shirts, sweaters and windbreakers!

Also the shop is just two pushes away from the park, so if you break your board, rip your shoe or trash your bearings you know where to go…

P.S. they also carry stuff for graffiti writers.

If you are looking for a big choice of skate and snowboard stuff, streetwear and technical outerwear Doodah is your shop. I bought my first hoodies, my first baggie pants, my first pair of DCs and a bit later my first skateboard at Doodah St. Gallen.

Since then, Doodah has kind of grown up with my generation. It has opened shops in all major Swiss Cities and managed to keep its identity while becoming an institution of Swiss youth culture where skaters, snowboarders, surfers and beach-beauties, MC’s, DJ’s and b-boys/fly girls and punk-rockers all over Switzerland find what they are looking for. It’s probably hard to find any Swiss youth who don’t know it or even regularly shop there.

I still sometimes go there without the intention of buying something but more to just watch some skate or snowboard videos, check out new stuff and feel younger than I am … They also offer a complete and growing collection of quality Doodah Streetwear.

Photography is one of my hobbies and if I had more money I would probably spend lots of it on camera equipment. My passion for photography probably comes from looking at photos. I’ve liked arty skateboard magazines since I was a kid. When I got a little bit older I discovered photography in museums and galleries.

When choosing museums in other cities I always check for the photo exhibition in a modern art museum first. If there is none it often means I’m not going to the museum at all. It’s not that I don’t like the drawings and sculptures or installations but somehow I like photos better. They – most often – seem to be closer to life.

Thanks to the Centre de la photographie inside the Centre d’Art Contemporain in Geneva there are changing photo exhibitions (sometimes for free, sometimes there is a small fee of CHF 5) all year. The exhibition space is limited which makes the exhibitions more accessible and not so tiring. Those who haven’t had enough after it, can still go check the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain just next door or one of the many galeries in the area.

As you know I love exploring my city and I recently found this new place: the description on their website caught my attention as they said it was created for families, something a bit too rare in Geneva. Be reassured though, you can go even if you don’t have kids!

I like it mainly for the restaurant, as they serve fresh food: for instance they have delicious burgers (try the Mexican one!) and salads. They also have a magnificent terrace that reminds me a little bit of O Calme, another café that I love (in Carouge): it is ideal to enjoy a bit of quiet in the city center, in the shade of the trees. They also organize brunches every first Sunday of the month and after work drinks on Thursdays.

But the place is mostly an informative center for parents. They have art exhibitions, debates and many more activities all week long for all ages. It was created by the association Pro Juventute, that aims to defend children’s rights and helps families in difficulties. You can definitely go there for a snack with your kiddos in the afternoon, they have lots of space for strollers!