THE ARTIST
Heidi Thöni (born in Wettingen in 1950) discovered her passion for painting during her years in Zermatt, inspired by the striking Alpine landscape around the Matterhorn. After returning to the Zurich Unterland, she continued to develop her artistic practice and found her distinctive visual language in Zurich.
She became known in particular for her striking tram paintings, which combine urban dynamism with expressive colour. Her work brings together elements of Expressionism and Pop Art influences, and is distinguished by its powerful emotional expression.
Today, Heidi Thöni lives and works in Kloten/Bassersdorf, focusing closely on the human figure, particularly the face as a reflection of inner states.
Artist statement – Heidi Thöni
"At the heart of my current work is the human face as a bearer of emotion, memory and identity. Through multiple layers of colour, texture and gestural painting, pictorial spaces emerge that move between abstraction and figuration.
The eyes form the emotional centre of my works. They create a direct connection with the viewer and give my portraits an intense presence.
My painting explores the interplay between Expressionism and contemporary figurative art. Spontaneous gesture, deliberate layering and strong colour contrasts are central elements of my artistic language."