Claudia Comte

Claudia Comte

Claudia Comte

Studio Claudia Comte

Artist

Switzerland, Basel

Claudia Comte (b. 1983, Grancy) is a Swiss artist based in Basel, Switzerland. Working across site-specific

installation, painting and sculpture, her practice is guided by a longstanding interest in teasing out the

history and memory of biomorphic forms through traditional hand processes, industrial and machine

technologies. At the heart of Comte’s installations are monumental wall paintings and serial sculptures

inspired by organic patterns and morphology such as waves, sonar, cacti and rock strata, that are playfully

recomposed within fluid and immersive environments. Drawing on the powers of communication, knowledge

and symbiosis between animal and plant life, Comte’s dynamic and shape-shifting objects pay testament to

the intelligence and transformative capacities of the ecological world.

Offer

OFFER What’s your niche and function in the impact ecosystem? I am a visual artist, who works at the intersection of art, environmental action, and community engagement, using painting, sculptures, and large-scale environmental installations to spark awareness about ecology, biodiversity, and the complexities of the Anthropocene. My studio in the Swiss countryside is a core part of my practice, nestled on a fully off-grid property where my partner, Samuel Leuenberger, also has an art space. Powered by solar energy and equipped with its own water and waste systems, our home operates independently. We grow our food following permaculture principles, working with the natural rhythms of the land. This space also naturally lends itself to learning and collaboration, and we often welcome artists, scientists, and community members to experience a sustainable approach to living and creating. Visitors can see how my work is influenced by this direct connection with nature, from observing local biodiversity to working with locally sourced materials. The studio offers a quiet example of how sustainable practices can support creative work and bring ecological values into the flow of everyday life. What is your theory of change? My theory of change is grounded in the belief that art can create meaningful, experiential connections, that engage people emotionally, shifting perspectives on environmental issues. Through the use of poetry, metaphor, and a direct connection to material, art draws us toward something beyond ourselves, encouraging lateral thinking and oblique connections. By using organic materials and natural forms with digital and traditional processes, and exploring themes of regeneration, biodiversity, and climate resilience, I aim to cultivate an appreciation for the non- human world, using art as a bridge to broaden understanding. What’s your unique skill, experience, or talent? As a visual artist, I bring a background in material-based processes—particularly in wood, large- scale wall painting, and marble—and work to transform these elements into immersive environments within public spaces, such as museums, institutions, galleries, and outdoor community projects. Collaborating closely with scientists, environmentalists, and activists has also deeply enriched my practice, allowing me to integrate scientific insights and address ecological concerns from a unique perspective. What can our community learn from you? I hope to share with the community how creative processes can enhance traditional approaches to environmental awareness and contribute to a transformative dialogue about our shared responsibilities to the planet. I would like to give a presentation on my practice and particularly the collaborative underwater sculpture park project I have been working on with TBA21-Academy and Alligator Head Foundation, where I created a series of underwater sculptures designed to foster marine biodiversity. This work was part of an ongoing effort to combine art with ecological restoration, specifically by creating structures that support coral growth and provide habitat for marine life.

NEED

What is the biggest challenge(s) you face in your work to achieve your mission? - A key challenge is the limited engagement and awareness many audiences have around climate change. I often encounter a lack of interest or understanding, making it difficult to connect people to the urgency of environmental action. It seems many feel either removed from the issue or simply uninformed, and overcoming this disengagement remains a significant hurdle. - Adding to this, the sheer volume of information on climate change and biodiversity loss often results in "environmental fatigue," where audiences tune out or feel overwhelmed. - Producing large-scale installations that have both aesthetic and environmental integrity is a resource-intensive process, and I am continually seeking sustainable solutions to address this. - Another concern is accessibility: ensuring that my works environmental messages resonate beyond the confines of the traditional art world to engage a broader, more diverse audience. - I also seek opportunities to collaborate with scientists, activists, and investors who can support the production and reach of my work.

Call-to-Action

- Partnerships to integrate art-based environmental education into broader public and academic initiatives. - Assistance in broadening the representation and visibility of my work would be invaluable, this would allow me to engage new audiences. - I hope to connect with scientists and activists whose insights can deepen the impact of my projects, fostering collaborations that enrich my understanding and approach. - I am interested in meeting investors who share a commitment to environmental sustainability and can help bring large-scale, eco-conscious art projects to fruition.

Atlantic Crossing / The Alliance

The Alliance