Faces and Stories That Shape a Valley

In “Vasi comunicanti”, artist Helena von Beust tells the story of the Val Bregaglia through the faces of its inhabitants. Currently on display in Borgonovo, her artwork would have found equally fascinating subjects a century ago. This is evidenced by a photograph from the Archivio Storico della Bregaglia (the Val Bregaglia's Historical Archives), depicting a group of people gazing into the camera with curious and questioning expressions. It conveys the same vibrant humanity that Helena von Beust captures in her work.

Then as now, it is faces and individual stories that give shape to the soul of a village, a valley, a region. Some of these individuals cross mountain passes and borders, helping to shape wider historical developments. Even a century ago, one did not have to look far in the Val Bregaglia to encounter people destined to leave their mark on the world.