Chestenberg
Life leaves its marks
Life is a precious journey that becomes richer in experience with each passing year – with its ups and downs. Older people carry within them a valuable treasure trove of memories and wisdom that we too often overlook. With this exhibition, I want to show the respect and dignity that old age deserves and honour the stories of those who have already walked this path.
Faces and hands are mirrors of a life lived. They tell of joy and pain, of hard work and quiet melancholy. Wrinkles and lines conceal both happiness and deep scars. And the more unvarnished these traces appear to us, the more deeply they touch our souls.
This exhibition is based on the stories of ten residents of the “Chestenberg” retirement and nursing home in Möriken-Wildegg, Switzerland. They spoke openly and freely with me about their lives – about moments of happiness and loss, about pride and vulnerability. There was laughter, joking and sometimes a few tears.
Life is like a mirror: if you smile, it smiles back. I learned this simple wisdom in a single day from these wonderful people – and for that I am very grateful.
Despite all the challenges they face, they radiate an inner peace and contentment that we often lack. They find joy in small moments and gratitude for what they have, instead of constantly striving for more.
They say that photography is the power of seeing. But at “Chestenberg”, I learned that it is our hearts that allow us to feel. So, let’s pay more attention to our hearts.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much good news to report. But I have fond memories of a wonderful day at the Christmas market in Colmar. Otherwise, I am quite proud that I have lived a reasonably good and trouble-free life. And that I am still in fairly good health at 93 years of age; that’s really great.
If I had one wish, I would love to go to Colmar again. Young people should travel as much as possible – unfortunately, that’s not so easy when you’re older.
Anne-Marie Setz
Born in 1930, mother, housewife
and housekeeper
What can I say… I am grateful for being healthy and having a wonderful life. Here in “Chestenberg”, I have found good friends and feel greatly appreciated.
I have achieved a lot in my life and look back on everything with gratitude. I have no regrets and am completely satisfied with what I have.
René Ramseier
Born in 1951, forklift driver
At the age of 19, I was trained as a chef at the restaurant “Edelweiss” in Graubünden. It was a wonderful time, and I was actually very good at cooking.
Unfortunately, I could only stay in the mountains for a year because money was tight at home and I had to work for my parents.
When our daughter had triplets, it was a great joy for my husband and me.
I feel at home here in “Chestenberg” and I am content. However, I would prefer to serve guests in a mountain restaurant.
Annerösi Koller
Born in 1931, garage owner
I loved agricultural college. And when I was young, some of the boys had souped-up mopeds – that was the greatest thing ever. Even today, I am still proud of our farm with its ten cows. We didn’t have much money, but we wanted for absolutely nothing.
I am even prouder of my three healthy children. One of my sons is a train driver on the Wynental and Suhrental Railway.
Do I have any regrets? No, not at all. I am very happy with how things turned out and I enjoy a good life today.
Ernst Wernli
Born in 1951, farmer
I have had virtually no truly wonderful experiences in my life – yet I lack nothing. I am in good health and have everything I need.
Dreams and desires? I don’t know anything about those.
My advice to young people: don’t smoke, don’t drink alcohol, avoid drugs and violence.
Jytte Roth
Born in 1943, cook
I don’t think there’s anything to say. The pictures should speak for themselves.
Paul Wälti
Born in 1937, border guard
Oh, I can remember many wonderful moments.
Once, I was walking in the woods with my sheepdog and we saw five young foxes playing. It was beautiful and remains one of my fondest memories to this day.
I am very proud of my son and there is absolutely nothing I regret.
However, I wish my legs were healthier – then I could dance rock ‘n’ roll again.
Silvia Knaus
Born in 1944, all-rounder, landlady, kiosk manager, cashier, telephone operator
A helicopter flight to the Holandia Hut in Valais at over 3,000 metres – that was an amazing experience!
I am grateful and happy that I am healthy and can be here in “Chestenberg”. I feel very comfortable here and can cultivate wonderful friendships.
No, I have no regrets. However, if I could wish for anything, it would be a holiday abroad, for example in America or New Zealand.
And for young people, I hope that they do not start smoking.
Walter Bryner
Born in 1951, machine operator
Unfortunately, I am no longer as fit as I would like to be, and my memory often fails me.
However, I do remember that I lived in France for many years and that this was the best time of my life.
Today, I wish I could walk well and safely again and be a little younger.
Anni Rieser
Born in 1938, mother
A highlight in my life? A five-week trip through Australia – that was unique!
I am a big fan of America and drove a Cadillac. Hey, I was so proud of that car.
When my wife died, she didn’t have to suffer for long; I am extremely grateful for that.
I have no regrets in my life, and if I had one wish, it would be to travel to New Zealand.
Jakob Meier
Born in 1948, roofer, masseur, musician
