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Hans GigerSwiss artist
Date of Birth: 05.02.1940
Country:  Switzerland |
Biography of Hans Giger
Introduction
Hans Rudolf Giger was a Swiss artist, sculptor, and decorator, best known for his unique surrealist style. He gained worldwide fame for his creations, with the most iconic being the legendary Alien from the eponymous film series. Giger's artworks were heavily influenced by his lifelong nightmares, which haunted him throughout his career.
Early Life and Education
Giger was born in Chur, the capital of the Graubünden canton in Switzerland. His father, a chemist, considered art a futile pursuit and encouraged his son to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals. In 1962, Giger moved to Zurich, where he studied architecture and industrial design at the School of Applied Arts until 1970.
Personal Life
Giger had a brief romance with Swiss actress Li Tobler, but she tragically took her own life in 1975. In 1979, he married Mia Bonzanigo, but their marriage ended after just a year and a half. Giger later found love again with Carmen Maria Scheifele Giger, whom he married and lived with in Zurich.
Artistic Career
Giger initially began his artistic journey with small ink paintings but later transitioned to using oil paints. He predominantly used a spray gun technique, creating monochromatic canvases adorned with surrealistic, nightmarish imagery. As his career progressed, Giger explored other mediums such as pastels, markers, and inks.
Biomorphic Style and Influences
Giger's distinctive style, known as "biomechanics," involved depicting intricate and soulless combinations of human bodies and various mechanical devices. He drew inspiration from artists such as Salvador Dalí and Ernst Fuchs, both of whom he had personal connections with. Giger also had a close relationship with Timothy Leary. His works also showed elements of H.P. Lovecraft's Cthulhu Mythos, as evidenced by his choice to title his first art collection "Necronomicon."
Legacy and Recognition
Giger's lifelong struggle with recurring nightmares fueled his artistic inspiration. His early paintings served as a form of therapy, but he later found a greater purpose in his artwork. In 2007, a short film titled "H.R. Giger's Sanctuary" was released, showcasing Giger and his creations. His most famous creation, the Alien, brought him critical acclaim and even won him an Academy Award in 1980. Giger's artwork, particularly his collections "Necronomicon" and "Necronomicon II," gained popularity and were frequently featured in the magazine "Omni." He also created artwork for various music albums.
Later Life and Death
In 1998, Giger purchased Château St. Germain in Gruyères, Switzerland, where the Giger Museum is located today. He lived and worked in Zurich with his wife Carmen Maria Scheifele Giger, who served as the director of the museum. On May 12, 2014, Giger tragically passed away in a Zurich hospital due to injuries sustained from a fall down a staircase.
