The Verbier 3-D Foundation presents 'Sempervivum', a new site-specific sculpture by artist Cannupa Hanska Luger.
Created during his 2025 residency in the Val de Bagnes, the work draws inspiration from the land, local community, and traditional knowledge.
Luger, an artist of Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, and European descent, explores the profound connections between land, community, material, and memory. His approach to 'Sempervivum was immersive, developed through deep listening to the mountain and its surrounding community. During his six-week residency, Luger balanced studio work with time spent on the mountainside, collaborating with local artisans and constructing the piece directly within the landscape. He drew inspiration from local rhythms, traditions, and Hughes Dubois’ Formes & Façons, which examines inherited cultural forms of the Val de Bagnes.
The sculpture's title, 'Sempervivum' (Latin for "always living"), refers to the resilient alpine plant once believed to ward off misfortune. This succulent, which thrives in harsh conditions and exhibits a Fibonacci spiral growth pattern, inspired Luger to embed this geometry into the stonework. The steel element of the sculpture takes the form of a negative lightning bolt, symbolizing nature's destructive power and the protective qualities of the plant, while also acknowledging the threats of extreme weather and climate change.
'Sempervivum' is an archive of its surroundings, built from local stone, slate, steel, and ceramic. It incorporates traditional building methods like pierres sèches (dry-stone work) and ardoises (slates), alongside steel representing the region's industrial past and hand-built ceramic from Luger's own practice. The sculpture resists singular meaning, existing as a dialogue between artist and land, past and future, functioning as a shrine, shelter, and gathering place.
The Verbier 3-D Foundation continues its commitment to supporting art deeply connected to place, environment, and community with this new work by Luger. 'Sempervivum' offers a way of understanding the land as a living entity, encouraging listening and more ethical coexistence.
The research-led residency was curated by Alexa Jeanne Kusber.
Luger, an artist of Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Lakota, and European descent, explores the profound connections between land, community, material, and memory. His approach to 'Sempervivum was immersive, developed through deep listening to the mountain and its surrounding community. During his six-week residency, Luger balanced studio work with time spent on the mountainside, collaborating with local artisans and constructing the piece directly within the landscape. He drew inspiration from local rhythms, traditions, and Hughes Dubois’ Formes & Façons, which examines inherited cultural forms of the Val de Bagnes.
The sculpture's title, 'Sempervivum' (Latin for "always living"), refers to the resilient alpine plant once believed to ward off misfortune. This succulent, which thrives in harsh conditions and exhibits a Fibonacci spiral growth pattern, inspired Luger to embed this geometry into the stonework. The steel element of the sculpture takes the form of a negative lightning bolt, symbolizing nature's destructive power and the protective qualities of the plant, while also acknowledging the threats of extreme weather and climate change.
'Sempervivum' is an archive of its surroundings, built from local stone, slate, steel, and ceramic. It incorporates traditional building methods like pierres sèches (dry-stone work) and ardoises (slates), alongside steel representing the region's industrial past and hand-built ceramic from Luger's own practice. The sculpture resists singular meaning, existing as a dialogue between artist and land, past and future, functioning as a shrine, shelter, and gathering place.
The Verbier 3-D Foundation continues its commitment to supporting art deeply connected to place, environment, and community with this new work by Luger. 'Sempervivum' offers a way of understanding the land as a living entity, encouraging listening and more ethical coexistence.
The research-led residency was curated by Alexa Jeanne Kusber.
