PEMA TSHOMO
Thimphu
Gerry Hofstetter, a Swiss light artist and filmmaker, brought a luminous touch to Bhutan’s National Day celebrations with his breathtaking light projections, transforming historic monuments into mediums of artistic display. His art, blending tradition with innovation, has captivated the hearts of the Bhutanese people, offering a fresh perspective on their rich cultural heritage.
“Light created life,” Hofstetter said during an interview, emphasizing the universal nature of his art. “It’s inside every plant, every animal, and every person. My projections aim to connect people to their roots, blending their history, culture, and aspirations for the future. Light is hope, and through my art, I hope to inspire joy and pride.”
Hofstetter’s journey to Bhutan began serendipitously. During a party in France, he met friends who had recently visited Bhutan and were deeply moved by its culture and beauty. They introduced him to Sonam and Peter, who became instrumental in bringing the project to life. “In February, they showed me photos of Bhutan online,” Hofstetter recounted. “By June, we met in Switzerland to discuss the project, and six months later, here we are.”
The Swiss artist arrived with 1.5 tons of specialized equipment, a logistical feat involving multiple flights and trucks traversing challenging terrains. “Bringing my equipment from Switzerland to Bhutan was a massive expedition,” he said. “We flew to Calcutta and transported everything by road. There were countless challenges, from customs issues to damaged projectors that needed repairs.”
One of the biggest obstacles Gerry Hofstetter faced was Bhutan’s pristine environment. “The air here is so clear, and the full moon was so bright that our initial projection on a mountain wasn’t visible,” he said. This unexpected setback led him to adapt quickly. “We moved to the Buddha Dordenma statue, and it worked beautifully. The moonlight wasn’t a problem anymore, and the results were stunning.”
Gerry Hofstetter’s art is deeply rooted in the essence of Bhutan. He meticulously studied the country’s culture, traditions, and history, incorporating these elements into his designs. “I’m not an artist who imposes my vision on a place,” he said. “I want to be one with the Bhutanese people, to understand them and give them their monuments and messages illuminated in light.”
His projections featured iconic symbols of Bhutan, such as the dragon from the national flag, tigers, and prayer flags, each rendered with intricate precision. “These aren’t just light shows,” he said. “They’re a celebration of Bhutan’s identity. When people see their monuments illuminated with these symbols, they feel pride and connection to their heritage.”
For Gerry Hofstetter, Bhutan marks the 88th country where he has showcased his art, but it holds a special place in his heart. “Bhutan is the land of happiness,” he said. “It’s an honor to contribute to that happiness with my work. Light has the power to inspire, and I wanted to amplify the joy this country already embodies.”
The National Day celebrations were a testament to Hofstetter’s ability to merge art with purpose. His team worked tirelessly to meet the tight deadlines, with assistance from Bhutanese collaborators. “When the Prime Minister invited me to light up the buildings for the National Day, I felt deeply honored,” Hofstetter shared. “It wasn’t initially part of the plan, but with everyone’s efforts, we made it happen. It has happened coincident with the national day.”
Beyond the National Day, Gerry Hofstetter’s projections spanned other iconic locations, including the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and Punakha Dzong. “Each day, we are creating something new,” he said. “Tonight, we will project at Tiger’s Nest, tomorrow at Punakha, and later at Dochula Pass. Each site presents unique opportunities and challenges, but the goal is always the same: to bring light and happiness to the people.”
Looking ahead, Hofstetter hopes to return to Bhutan with even grander plans. “Next year, I’d love to project the dragon on a 7,000-meter-high mountain,” he said. “It would symbolize Bhutan’s purity, tradition, and its identity as the land of the Thunder Dragon. Such a projection would capture global attention, showcasing Bhutan as a clean, unique, and inspiring country.”
Hofstetter also plans to participate in the United Nations’ Year of Glacier Preservation, using his art to highlight the urgent need to protect the planet’s glaciers in the upcoming year, 2025. “In 40 years, half of the glaciers will be gone,” he said. “Through my “Safe Our Souls” or “Safe Our Species” (SOS) World Tour,’ I will project massive letters visible from space, urging the world to act. Bhutan’s pristine glaciers would be a perfect location for this message.”
Reflecting on his experience in Bhutan, Hofstetter expressed profound gratitude. “I’m happy to be here,” he said. “Bhutan is a land of happiness, and its people have been incredibly welcoming. My art is about making every spectator feel at home, to see their culture and traditions reflected in light. It’s a privilege to contribute to that sense of pride and connection.”
As Gerry Hofstetter continues his global journey, Bhutan will undoubtedly remain a shining highlight in his illustrious career. Through his light projections, he has not only illuminated the country’s iconic landmarks but also its spirit, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural tapestry. “Light inspires, connects, and brings hope,” he said. “And in Bhutan, it has done all that and more.”
Gerry Hofstetter’s commitment to authenticity and cultural sensitivity is evident in his creative process. Before arriving in Bhutan, he spent months immersing himself in its history and traditions. “I’ve had Bhutan in my mind for 15 years,” he admitted. “But I knew I couldn’t just show up and start projecting light. You need to understand the people, their heritage, and their aspirations. Only then can you create art that resonates deeply.”
He collaborated closely with local advisors, including Sonam and Peter, to ensure his work reflected Bhutanese values. “They were instrumental in guiding me,” he said. “Listening to their insights and my research allowed me to design projections that felt truly Bhutanese. It’s not about imposing my ideas but about amplifying the stories that already exist here.”
The logistics of bringing his vision to life were monumental. Transporting equipment, navigating Bhutan’s mountainous terrain, and adapting to unforeseen challenges required meticulous planning and teamwork. “It was a massive expedition,” Hofstetter said. “But seeing the joy on people’s faces made every hurdle worthwhile.”
One of the highlights of his Bhutanese project is the planned public showing at the Buddha Dordenma statue, a site that can accommodate large crowds. “If the public can gather there, it will be magical,” he said. “The Buddha is already a symbol of peace and enlightenment, and lighting it up with meaningful projections adds another layer of significance.”
Hofstetter’s guide, Sonam, shared that plans to extend the light tour to Bhutan’s eastern regions are under consideration but would depend heavily on financial support. “This first show has been entirely funded from Gary’s pocket,” Sonam said. “We hope there will be substantial sponsorship in the future to make the light tour possible in the eastern part as well.”
His work carries a global message. By illuminating Bhutan’s iconic monuments, he hopes to draw attention to the country’s unique place in the world. “Bhutan is a kingdom in the Himalayas, a land of happiness and pristine beauty,” he said. “By projecting symbols like the dragon on its mountains, we’re sharing Bhutan’s story with the world. It’s a way to celebrate its identity while inspiring others to appreciate and protect what’s special about this planet.”
Despite the challenges, Hofstetter remains optimistic about the future of his art in Bhutan and beyond. “Light is a universal language,” he said. “It transcends barriers and speaks to the heart. Whether I’m projecting in Bhutan, Switzerland, or any other 87 countries I’ve visited, my goal is always the same: to inspire hope and connection through light.”
As Bhutan prepares to welcome the world’s attention through Gerry Hofstetter’s work, the artist is already looking ahead to future collaborations. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “There is so much potential here, and I’m excited to explore it further. Bhutan has given me so much inspiration, and I hope my art can give something back in return.”
Gerry Hofstetter’s time in Bhutan underscores the transformative power of art, not just as a form of expression but as a means of building bridges and fostering understanding. Through his light projections, he has illuminated more than just buildings and mountains; he has illuminated the soul of Bhutan, leaving a legacy that will shine brightly for years to come.
