Suisside

«SUISSIDE» is an expressive art installation that is part of a series of word play projects using LED lights.

This particular installation explores the Swiss financial system, using the letters of the Credit Suisse bank’s name to create key words such as «SUICIDE,» «CRISIS,» «DESCRITTE,» «DECISORI,» and «SORDITÀ.» Through this creative approach, the artist reflects on the use of recycled materials from illuminated signs to create objects that inter-pretend the bank’s logo through an anagram.

Suicide is the voluntary act of ending one’s life. The term comes from the Latin ‘suicidium’, composed of the prefix ‘sui’ meaning ‘self’ and the verb ‘caedere’ meaning ‘uc-cidere’.

The phrase ‘SUISSIDE’ has a strong impact, as it combines the words ‘Switzerland’ and ‘suicide’ (suicide, in French, being an anagram of Credit Suisse), evoking a sense of unease and mortality, emphasised by the flashing LED lights and bright colours used in the installation.

The takeover of Credit Suisse by UBS in March 2023 generated headlines announcing the death of the bank in order to save the system. However, the artist perceives this as an extension of his light installation ‘SUISSIDE’, playing on the metaphorical death of the bank.

A question also arises as to the fate of the Credit Suisse illuminated signs, which are omnipresent in our environment: the artist wonders how changes will take place and in which direction.

Conceptually, ‘SUISSIDE’ delves into the underlying issues of the Swiss financial system and invites viewers to reflect on its complexity. It offers a unique perspective on the subject, prompting the audience to interact with the installation and explore their own interpretations.

Suicide here is a topic that is approached with a conscious, respectful and sensitive approach to increase understanding and awareness, considering the emotional impact on the audience and promoting critical and emotional thinking about the complexity of suicide.

By reworking and reinterpreting the illuminated signs associated with Credit Suisse, the artist presents a fresh and stimulating view of the contemporary financial landscape.