Cham, 24.03.2023

Exhibition about the former paper factory and its transformation

Artist Victor Zoller is exhibiting photos of the transformation of the former factory site in the "Machine 17" studio. Further cultural events are planned.

The papermakers and their machines are gone from the Papieri Area, the site of the former paper factory in Cham. But it is exciting to see how the buildings in the Papieri area are currently changing - and being revitalised by people and companies. Craftsmen can still be found everywhere. This is also the case at Maschinengasse 17, where studios and lofts are being built. Here, the IG Maschine 17 association is in the process of setting up a new meeting place in the rustic rooms on the ground and basement floors.

This studio, together with the adjacent premises, is to be used multifunctionally in the future. The two initiators Victor Zoller and Joe Steiner, who are financing the construction from their own funds, are planning a varied selection of art exhibitions with local and international artists, as well as cultural events.

"The goal is to create a space where people can come together to experience art and culture," says Victor Zoller. Where possible, artists will be at work on site during the exhibition, so that people can watch the works being created. In addition, readings, live music, film screenings, dance, and also courses such as bartending or vegan cooking, are planned. "The structure and organisation of Machine 17 is still being developed. But we want to exhibit the versatile work of Helena Krähenbühl in 2023, as well as hold at least one jazz night," says Victor Zoller, who is still looking for committed people to help out.

Photos are a document of time
As a prelude, an exhibition of around 60 photographs by Victor Zoller (61), which were taken from 2019 to 2021, has been started. The result is an exciting contemporary document about the transformation of the abandoned factory premises of the Papieri. As a former architect, it was important for him to not only show the forms of the emptied buildings, but also the peculiar atmosphere when there were only bare supports, walls and ceilings inside. "The Papieri interested me even earlier. Then I found out exactly when the demolition would take place. I was also fascinated by the architecture of the shell."

The artist in the "Maschine 17" studio in the new Papieri area, where exhibitions will be held in the future.
Victor Zoller
Victor Zoller's camera.
Artist Victor Zoller with some of his works             
Photos: Maria Schmid

With the Leica and the tripod, and in consultation with the Cham Group construction management, he has managed to capture in black and white the play of light and shadow that falls in through the windows and is reflected on the floor or walls in the various rooms. "I have used the available light to create these pictures, so that everything remains authentic."

There are exciting perspectives from unusual angles inside, and also when he shows the silos from above or the buildings, with the river outside. Other pictures are dedicated to stabilisation and restoration. This time of new beginnings is reflected in the warm colours of the photos, whose subjects are captured in the catalogue "Papieri PM 1-4".

Zoller has devoted himself to photography from his youth, and during his professional and part-time activities: He is still co-president of Pro Velo and on the board of the Repair Café.

"For the past two years, digital photography has been my main focus. From releasing the shutter, through printing and mounting the pictures on fibreboard and up to hanging them, I do everything myself."

His main focus is on contemporary architecture, day and night shots, light and shadow, and man's intervention in nature.
 

The two vernissage days on 24 and 25 March are already fully booked. The photo exhibition at Maschinengasse 17 in Cham will run from 29 March to 14 April, and will be open from Wednesday to Friday from 5 to 8 pm and Saturday from 2 to 5 pm - or by appointment.