The third iteration of "House to Watch the Sunset", erected at the foot of the historic Tarasp Castle in Switzerland, epitomizes Not Vital's distinctive approach to space, perception, and interaction with the natural world.
"House to Watch the Sunset" at Tarasp Castle merges art and architecture, offering a contemplative space that celebrates natural beauty amidst the rich historical tapestry of the Engadin region. Inaugurated on July 13, 2018, this edifice serves as a portal to the sublime, a stage for the quotidian miracle of the setting sun.
Standing 13 meters high, the structure ascends through a series of three staircases, culminating in a tower with four floors. The concept, conceived in a mere 13 minutes, embodies Not Vital's intuitive brilliance and his capacity to distill profound ideas into tangible forms swiftly. This rapid conceptualization speaks to the fluid boundary between Vital’s artistic vision and architectural execution.
The Tarasp Sunset House continues a thematic journey begun in Agadez, Niger, and Amazonas, Brazil. The flags of these nations fluttering next to Tarasp Castle underscore the global narrative woven through Vital’s works. These flags are not mere symbols but are integral to the dialogue between the various installations, emphasizing the artist's universal quest to capture and honor the ephemeral beauty of the sunset, irrespective of geographical confines.
Not Vital’s "House to Watch the Sunset" is more than an architectural feat; it is an experiential sculpture that engages the viewer in a contemplative act. The Tarasp edition, with its medieval backdrop, juxtaposes ancient history with contemporary art. The castle itself, a testament to the turbulent history of the Engadin region, enriches the narrative of the Sunset House. Constructed around 1040, Tarasp Castle has witnessed conquests, restorations, and numerous changes of ownership, finally becoming part of Not Vital's oeuvre in 2016.
Vital’s acquisition and subsequent integration of the castle into his artistic practice reflect a seamless blend of preservation and innovation. The castle's storied past—from its origins under the lords of Tarasp, through its transformation under the counts of Tirol, to its restoration by industrialist Dr. Karl August Lingner—adds layers of historical context to the modern intervention by Not Vital. The renovation efforts by Lingner, particularly the installation of a grand Jehmlich organ in 1916, underscore a legacy of artistic patronage that Vital continues.
