Hasli-Valley, in the Bernese Oberland

Hasli-Valley, in the Bernese Oberland (1917) by Adolf Wölfli

Description: "Hasli-Valley, in the Bernese Oberland" (1917) by Adolf Wölfli is an imaginative and complex artwork that blends elements of maps, fantastical landscapes, and abstract designs. Created while Wölfli was in the Waldau psychiatric hospital in Bern, Switzerland, this piece represents his unique interpretation of the Hasli Valley, a real location in the Bernese Oberland region of Switzerland. However, Wölfli’s depiction is far from realistic; it is an intricate, almost cartographic drawing that integrates imagined elements, geometric patterns, and a vibrant palette of colors. The artwork includes winding rivers, stylized mountains, and surreal architectural forms, interspersed with musical notations, invented symbols, and fragments of text, creating a dense tapestry that both resembles and reinvents the landscape.

Adolf Wölfli (1864–1930) was known for his detailed and elaborate compositions that often depicted his own fantastical visions of geography and history. "Hasli-Valley, in the Bernese Oberland" is typical of his Art Brut style, where personal mythology, creativity, and mental exploration dominate the visual narrative. Wölfli's works often feature recurring motifs—such as concentric circles, spirals, crosses, and musical notes—alongside his distinctive use of bright, contrasting colors. The piece reflects his desire to transform familiar landscapes into grandiose and mythical spaces, merging reality with his elaborate inner world.

Details:

• Location and Date Created: Switzerland, 1917.
• Medium: Mixed media on paper, often using colored pencils, crayons, and graphite.
• Full Artwork Name: Hasli-Valley, in the Bernese Oberland (1917) by Adolf Wölfli.
• Artwork Style: Art Brut (Outsider Art), Abstract.
• Subject/Topic: A fantastical depiction of the Hasli Valley in the Bernese Oberland, combining real geographic elements with Wölfli's imagined landscapes, patterns, and symbolic motifs.