René Odermatt was born in 1972 in Zug, Switzerland, and grew up in Kriens. He now lives and works in Küssnacht and Lucerne. His artistic path began with a solid foundation in craftsmanship. In 1992, he earned a diploma in classical wood sculpture from the Cantonal School of Woodcarving in Brienz. From 1993 to 1996, he lived in Houston, USA, where he worked as an ice sculptor and refined his understanding of form, balance, and material. In 2004, he completed his studies in Fine Arts at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, building on his experience to develop an individual artistic language.
Odermatt’s practice is deeply rooted in the traditions of classical sculpture, yet it continuously questions and reinterprets them. He primarily creates wooden sculptures and reliefs that reveal a unique tension between precision and playfulness. His works explore the relationship between craftsmanship and artistic freedom, often with a touch of humor that invites viewers to look beyond the surface.
A master of his craft, Odermatt approaches wood with both respect and curiosity. The material’s organic qualities and its capacity for transformation are central to his creative process. Through his sculptures, he reflects on themes of balance, movement, and the human condition. His works carry a strong aesthetic presence, shaped by meticulous technique and a thoughtful sense of composition.
René Odermatt’s art demonstrates that true originality can emerge from tradition. His sculptures combine technical mastery, intellectual depth, and poetic imagination, offering viewers a space for reflection and discovery.