‘Fragments of Biel/Bienne’
Carte blanche for Leica & REBL, presented at Bieler Fototage.
A portrait of my hometown and how I see her — familiar paths and beloved scenes.
Biel-Bienne is a city full of life and a place of inspiration. Nestled between German- and French-speaking Switzerland, it is the country’s largest bilingual city. Situated directly on the shores of Lake Biel, it holds a quiet sweetness—one that reveals itself only to those who take the time to look and perceive it with an open heart. You have to pay attention. And when you do, you’ll find people who speak different languages and yet still understand one another.
The city is as beautiful as spring. And like the mist that lingers over its streets, its untamed, unpolished corners are an intrinsic part of its character.
Biel is a place of contrasts—at times raw and unvarnished, shaped by its working-class roots and social challenges, yet also by creativity, resilience, and an undeniable sense of community. It fosters initiative, collaboration, and unexpected connections. On trouve des amis et des alliés aux cafés.
Its heart beats steady at 90 bpm—bold, unyielding, and deeply rooted in rhythm.
A tempo that once defined the golden era of Hip-Hop, when Biel stood as a stronghold of the Swiss scene in the 90s and early 2000s. And even today, the city remains a vibrant hub for music, continuously shaping and nurturing artists across genres. But Biel is more than a music city—it has long been a birthplace for creativity in all its forms. From literature to dance, photography to visual arts, the city breathes artistic expression, producing and inspiring generations of creatives.
Much of this creative energy is fuelled by Biel’s incredible diversity. People from all over the world have made this city their home, bringing their languages, traditions, and perspectives with them. This cultural richness is woven into daily life, into its art, its music, and its streets. It is a place where different worlds meet, mix, and create something new.
Architecturally, the city is both appreciated and shaped by its history—one deeply intertwined with watchmaking. As a centre of Swiss precision and craftsmanship, Biel has long been home to some of the world’s most renowned watch brands. Its industrial heritage is still visible in its streets and remains very much alive today, with many leading watchmakers headquartered here.
My aim was to wander through Biel with open eyes, capturing both my favourite scenes and fleeting impressions of my hometown—by day and by night—using only available light. Working with a 50mm lens demands movement. It requires you to step in, to circle around, to get close, until composition and framing fall into place. It fosters a way of seeing that is deliberate and immersive, a deeper engagement with both the surroundings and the subject itself.