ZURICH.- The Lechbinska Gallery’s doors open to invite visitors to experience its own past and present. Connections emerge between new and already-known artists of the gallery to create an exhibition focused on being present. The theme of water and nature guides us through a reconnection with ourselves and invites us to take a moment of reflection about fading memories and emerging experiences. Through calm colors, talking forests and ancient stories, the exhibition aims to combine different artists, times, feelings and inspirations: a reflection of the first five years of the Lechbinska Gallery.

The dragonflies III made of crystal glass by Ursula Palla, represent nature’s fragility. We are connected to nature and therefore influence its well-being, but are retroactively influenced by it. Palla reminds us to take a step back, remember the past and reflect on our future actions. Taking care of ourselves and our surroundings remains an important step in our lifetimes.

The smallest artwork in the exhibition is by Perbal/Bélibaste. The Cloud is a combination of embroidery and painted wood, adding lightness to the room. Luo Mingjun’s magnolias out of her series I walk beside you VI are a soft and loving representation of nature’s beauty. The detailed oil painting stands out with calm colors and soft contrasts. The blooming flowers represent spring and a new beginning. Taking in the paintings details offers the viewer time to notice opening flowers and still closed flower buds: The beauty of what is already here and what is yet to come.

Angela Lyn’s Tree School I-VIII and Luo Mingjun’s Perched in the Heights I+II represent the calmer side of nature. Detailed trees and singing birds invite us to stand still and observe. The black and white colors bring out a strong contrast and help us focus on the details: The small things that capture timeless beauty.

In the midst of it all, also by Angela Lyn, offers another look into nature. Standing in front of it the painting, we become the tree itself, looking at our own branches. As part of nature, we become nature itself if we allow ourselves. Valentina Kropivnitskaya’s La Gorge adds to the impression of living trees: The two trees are looking at each other, whispering with their branches. As the oldest painting in the exhibition, it holds tradition almost like the wisdom of old trees. The mixed-media work by Aleksandr Kozhin connects to the other artworks in the room by color. It adds a man-made dimension: the painted fishnet connects earthy colors and industrialized structures.