I visited a private H. R. Giger exhibition in Basel, and I still cannot believe I actually got in. The official opening was scheduled for three days later, but my friend Gianni and I were allowed inside almost by accident.
The situation was simple. I already had a return ticket, and waiting for the official opening was physically impossible. Gianni explained to the staff, who were still setting up the exhibition, that I was a huge Giger fan from Russia who really wanted to see the works in person but could not stay any longer. They understood, said that if I was such a fan, I could go in, and they did not even charge us a crown for entry.
The exhibition was not completely set up yet. There were scaffolds in some places and finishing touches being added, but about 90 percent of the pieces already looked exactly as they were supposed to. I was completely blown away. Standing just a few steps away from the Alien sculpture, seeing all the details, volume, and texture, and being able to get practically up close, is a completely different feeling than looking at any image online.
There were original works and sculptures related to his films, as well as pieces currently traveling through Switzerland as part of the exhibition. The official Giger Museum is also located in Switzerland, and just the thought of being in the country where he lived and created his worlds adds so much depth to the experience. You could examine his paintings up close and literally feel how his biomechanical nightmare and beauty are structured at the same time.
One of the highlights was standing next to the legendary Giger-style microphone stand created for the band Korn, or possibly an exact replica, I am not completely sure. It is instantly recognizable, with the same flowing organic forms and the same dark yet captivating visual language. For someone who has long been inspired by this visual world, it feels almost like meeting a living character from your childhood.
The feeling is hard to compare with classic museums. For some people, seeing the Mona Lisa is a lifelong dream and gives goosebumps, and for me, that is exactly what seeing Giger’s works felt like. It all depends on your level of immersion. If someone is not familiar with Alien or biomechanical art, they might just think it is a "strange thing," but for a fan, it is real art and a dream come true.
This spontaneous opportunity to visit an exhibition that had not officially opened, without lines or barriers, gave a rare experience of being almost one-on-one with Giger’s works. I am incredibly grateful to Gianni and the team who let us in. This moment will definitely remain one of the most powerful artistic experiences of my life.
The situation was simple. I already had a return ticket, and waiting for the official opening was physically impossible. Gianni explained to the staff, who were still setting up the exhibition, that I was a huge Giger fan from Russia who really wanted to see the works in person but could not stay any longer. They understood, said that if I was such a fan, I could go in, and they did not even charge us a crown for entry.
The exhibition was not completely set up yet. There were scaffolds in some places and finishing touches being added, but about 90 percent of the pieces already looked exactly as they were supposed to. I was completely blown away. Standing just a few steps away from the Alien sculpture, seeing all the details, volume, and texture, and being able to get practically up close, is a completely different feeling than looking at any image online.
There were original works and sculptures related to his films, as well as pieces currently traveling through Switzerland as part of the exhibition. The official Giger Museum is also located in Switzerland, and just the thought of being in the country where he lived and created his worlds adds so much depth to the experience. You could examine his paintings up close and literally feel how his biomechanical nightmare and beauty are structured at the same time.
One of the highlights was standing next to the legendary Giger-style microphone stand created for the band Korn, or possibly an exact replica, I am not completely sure. It is instantly recognizable, with the same flowing organic forms and the same dark yet captivating visual language. For someone who has long been inspired by this visual world, it feels almost like meeting a living character from your childhood.
The feeling is hard to compare with classic museums. For some people, seeing the Mona Lisa is a lifelong dream and gives goosebumps, and for me, that is exactly what seeing Giger’s works felt like. It all depends on your level of immersion. If someone is not familiar with Alien or biomechanical art, they might just think it is a "strange thing," but for a fan, it is real art and a dream come true.
This spontaneous opportunity to visit an exhibition that had not officially opened, without lines or barriers, gave a rare experience of being almost one-on-one with Giger’s works. I am incredibly grateful to Gianni and the team who let us in. This moment will definitely remain one of the most powerful artistic experiences of my life.
