The Symbolism of Houses in the Val Bregaglia

In the hay barn of the Centro Giacometti, DEM’s triptych “Bandiere della Bregaglia” is displayed, a work of art that evokes the valley by means of symbols and references to the valley’s geography. The artist’s anthropological curiosity led him to explore the rich symbolism and numerous coats of arms found on walls and doors all along the long, narrow valley.

Just a few hundred metres from the exhibition site of “Bandiere della Bregaglia” stands a building that caught the eye of another artist in the 1970s and appeared in several of his works: Varlin’s later holiday home. Located not far from the Maira River against the backdrop of Palazzo Castelmur, the building was used as a tannery for a long time. From 1964 onwards, it served as Varlin’s holiday home and became the subject of several of his paintings.