Every January since 30 years the snow sculpture competition "Shapes in white" takes place in Ischgl. This year a gallery following the motto "LEGO" was built in the middle of the Ski resort. Overall eleven sculptures, which are up to four meters high, have been created by different, international artists. Due to the location at almost 2000m, the works of art can be viewed until around the end of April.
LEGO Castle on the top step of the podium
A total of ten pairs of artists, who had time to create their sculptures from January 8-12, took part in the competition. Once again this year, it was not easy for the jury to make a decision: "Even after 30 years, the snow artists continue to impress us every year. Choosing the best three out of ten from their creative interpretations of themes and masterful realizations was not easy, even with the anniversary theme of LEGO."
In the end Simon Morgenthaler und Stefan Zuber convinced the jury with their creation of a big LEGO castle and got the first place. These two are followed by Ivo Piazza and Rainer Kasslatter with their sculpture "Achtung Hai" that shows a LEGO shark. The podium is completed by "Und ich flieg, flieg..." from Thomas Mussner and Stefan Malsiner as it shows a man standing in a plane. The anniversary sculpture, which did not take part in the competition, was created by the previous year's winners and runners-up.
Works of art for eternity
Thanks to the guaranteed snow in Ischgl, the sculptures will remain in place until April and can be admired by visitors to the ski resort free of charge every day. An overview map of where the individual sculptures are located is available free of charge on site and online here.
If you are unable to visit the "Open-Air Gallery", you will have the opportunity to purchase the snow figures in the form of NFTs (non-fungible tokens) as digital works of art at an auction on March 15, 2024, just like last year. The number of NFTs available is limited and will be announced at a later date.
30 years "Shapes in White"
Every year since 1994 international artists send their sketches to the jury of Ischgl. The most promising designs are then given five days in January to be realized by the respective artists. The work and the results can be seen directly on the slopes of Ischgl. The event will also take place in January 2025.
