Renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation, Switzerland is home to many companies at the forefront of progress. In this dossier, you’ll find Swiss players excelling in a diverse range of fields, from luxury craftsmanship to business consulting and sustainable development. You’ll also discover dedicated artists who play an active role in shaping the cultural influence of this multifaceted country.
This text is the English translation of an article originally published in French on Forbes.fr.
Guilmette Baghdadi embodies the very essence of the versatile artist who skilfully weaves together the threads of architecture, sculpture and painting to create a unique tapestry of artistic expression.
Architecture as foundation, art as elevation
Born in North Africa of Iranian parents, her atypical career has taken her all over the world, nurturing an artistic vision as diverse as it is profound. At 67, she carries within her an exceptional cultural wealth, the fruit of her travels and experiences in eight different countries. For Guilmette, ‘the earth is but one country’, a conviction that shines through in each of her works. Forged by her many uprootings and adaptations, this universal vision of humanity is the beating heart of her artistic creation.
Guilmette Baghdadi’s artistic career is as solid as it is eclectic. At the same time as studying architecture, she trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Grenoble, where she benefited from the teaching and mentoring of Simone Magnan. This dual training laid the foundations for a unique approach to art, where architectural rigour meets the creative freedom of the fine arts.
During her studies, Guilmette devoted considerable time to life drawing and sculpture, spending entire days perfecting these techniques. This rigorous discipline combined with her training as an architect forged her unique understanding of form, space and volume.
Her career as an architect has enriched her creative palette. As a director of operations in various countries, she gained a particular insight into how space and structure interact with the human environment. This experience is now reflected in her art, where the purity of line and the symbolism of form reign supreme to create works that are both aesthetically pure and deeply meaningful.
Gold Lady
Gold Lady
60 x 80 cm.
This artwork features a minimalist figure outlined in gold against a deep, textured blue background. The figure’s body is adorned with crumpled gold material, adding a striking three-dimensional element to the piece. The use of bold color and mixed materials creates a sense of elegance and simplicity, with the gold symbolizing richness and depth against the vibrant blue canvas.
Interested in purchasing this artwork?
Please contact us via phone at +41 78 840 99 63 or email at guilmette@guilmett.art
Minimalism with meaning
Guilmette’s artistic approach is characterised by a striking simplicity that conceals a remarkable depth of meaning. By reducing her palette to the essentials, often combining a dominant colour with gold, she creates works of intense emotional power. This minimalism is not a simple aesthetic choice, but a veritable visual language through which she expresses profound values: the unity of humanity, equal rights and, above all, the spiritual dimension of existence.
Her series of paintings, using carefully chosen colour combinations, are charged with symbolism, creating works that speak as much to the soul as to the eyes. Gold is omnipresent in her work, representing purity, nobility, sunshine and light. It illuminates even the darkest hues, symbolising hope and transformation, like the diamond born of coal. Overseas blue evokes calm and serenity, while purple symbolises nobility and the sacrifices made to bring peace to the world.
Among her emblematic works, ‘Voyage vers l’infini’ opens a new series exploring the concepts of spirituality and infinity. Her diptych ‘Equality’ represents the equality of man and woman, compared to the wings of a bird that can only take flight if the two flap in harmony. ‘Hands in Hands’ depicts the Earth surrounded by hands to illustrate unity and global cooperation. Through her art, she seeks to transcend the prevailing materialism to touch on a deeper dimension of human existence. Her inspiration comes from the environment in which she finds herself, from the museums and galleries she visits, from walks in nature, from the books she reads and also from her religious convictions, the Baha’i faith.
Souffle de l’âme
Souffle de l’âme
80 x 80 cm.
The artwork titled Souffle de l’âme features a red background with soft, gradient tones blending towards the center. The abstract outline of a face, drawn with a textured gold material, appears in profile, exhaling a light mist or breath, symbolizing the “breath of the soul.” The combination of bold red and the gentle gold forms creates a striking contrast, evoking both intensity and serenity.
Interested in purchasing this artwork?
Please contact us via phone at +41 78 840 99 63 or email at guilmette@guilmett.art
From the individual to the universal: Growing recognition
Guilmette Baghdadi’s talent is finding increasing recognition on the international art scene. Her exhibitions, from the Carrousel du Louvre to galleries in Italy, France, the UK and the USA, bear witness to the universality of her message. Her participation in the Salon International d’Art Contemporain at the Carrousel du Louvre in 2021, 2022 and 2023 marks a significant recognition of her work in one of the world’s leading art venues.
She has also been invited to take part in G100 in London in November 2023, a major international women’s association, where she gave a talk on ‘The power of art through creativity’. This invitation is testament to the impact of her art beyond the traditional boundaries of the art world.
Recognition of her talent extends beyond exhibitions. In 2023, she was honoured by the Académie des Arts, Sciences et Lettres de Paris, a distinction that underlines the importance of her artistic contribution. In addition, her role as Advisory Member of the Arts Leadership and Films wing for Switzerland within the G100: Mission Million, illustrates the growing influence of her artistic vision in wider spheres.
Guilmette doesn’t just create; she also shares her art and philosophy. As a sculptor, she gives courses in soapstone carving, passing on her skills and passion to others. She is also the initiator of a collaborative book project with 15 other women, exploring the impact of women and their added value through art, demonstrating her commitment to equality and emancipation through creativity.
Vers l’infini
Vers l’infini
50 x 50 cm.
The artwork titled Vers l’infini features a large, textured golden circle at the center, set against a soft, muted white background. The intricate detailing within the golden sphere creates depth and movement, symbolizing the infinite and the eternal. Subtle golden splashes and cracks in the background enhance the celestial, almost cosmic quality of the piece, evoking themes of endlessness and universality. The contrast between the rich gold and the minimalist background gives the painting a powerful yet serene presence.
Interested in purchasing this artwork?
Please contact us via phone at +41 78 840 99 63 or email at guilmette@guilmett.art
GALERIE PHOTOS
