Traces of a Friendship

This book is a unique and intimate portrait of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century. "With this volume I wish to document Giacometti's personality from a completely different standpoint. I do so using photographs taken almost continuously from 1943 up to the time of his death; these were the twenty years in which his art became well-known. Alberto Giacometti's nature, work and thoughts fascinated me and other friends tremendously. I was one of the lucky ones allowed to experience his life. My encounters with him, and the resulting photographs, were of a more intimate, personal sort. Giacometti was not a legend to me. I treasured his absolute will for freedom. He was often cunning and harsh with his judgements and opinions, yet at the same time sensitive. His contradictoriness - often described by others - to me represented an expression of his personality, fervent existence and presence. I loved and respected this man. I believe his work belongs among the most important works of the contemporary art scene." - Ernst Scheidegger.