Arnold Odermatt would have celebrated his 100th birthday on May 29, 2025. He joined the Nidwalden cantonal police force in 1948 and retired as a first lieutenant in 1990. His keen interest in photography began in his youth. He taught himself all the techniques of this medium. He photographed throughout his life, both professionally and in his spare time. In doing so, he developed his own visual language with unusual perspectives, sprinkled with subtle humor.

His son, director Urs Odermatt, delved into his father’s extensive archive for film research. Impressed by the quality, he became the editor of Arnold Odermatt’s complete works and numerous books. In 2001, Harald Szeemann, curator of the 49th Venice Biennale, exhibited a selection of 32 of Odermatt’s works. This was followed by international solo and group exhibitions. Arnold Odermatt’s artworks are part of numerous international collections and are exhibited in many museums worldwide.

The exhibition is featured on the cover of PiB – Photography in Berlin’s bi-monthly print edition, the PiB Guide Nº62 SEP/OCT 2025.

Book recommendations

Hartmann Books | Arnold Odermatt »Ein gutes Bild muss scharf sein!«
Steidl | Arnold Odermatt »Feierabend | After Work | Après le boulot« and »In zivil – Hors service – Off Duty«.

Saturday, Sep 13, 2025, 2 – 6 pm
Opening reception

October 23 — 26, 2025
Art Salon Zürich
The Springer Berlin Gallery is participating in this year’s Art Salon Zurich and is presenting a selection of Arnold Odermatt’s color and black-and-white works.
Details

Wednesday, Dec 3, 2025, 7 pm
Concert by Pedro Alcàcer
Pedro Alcàcer will perform selections from his new CD, Luis Milán – Primer libro intitulado “El Maestro”. Duration: approx. 60 minutes (no intermission). Admission is free; the musician would appreciate a donation at the end of the concert.