ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Images Vevey Festival Turns Ten with Family Theme and Eerie 1977 Portrait

festival-fair · 2026-09-06

The Images Vevey biennial, a visual arts festival in Switzerland known for exhibiting photographs in public spaces, is celebrating its tenth anniversary with the unifying theme of 'the family'. The festival's central image is a 1977 portrait of a nine-year-old girl named Susan, which has been multiplied across the walls and shop windows of the city of Vevey. The photograph, described as imposing its strangeness, serves as a common thread throughout the event. The festival's unique approach of integrating photography into the urban landscape is highlighted by this large-scale display. The 2026 edition, which opened on September 9, 2026, according to the source, features this image as a key visual anchor. The choice of Susan's portrait underscores the festival's exploration of familial themes through a contemporary art lens. The festival, which has been running for a decade, continues to engage the public by placing art directly in everyday environments, transforming the city into an open-air gallery. The image of Susan, taken in 1977, adds a historical dimension to the festival's contemporary focus, inviting viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the evolving nature of family representation. The festival's tenth edition promises to be a significant milestone, with the family theme resonating across various installations and exhibitions throughout Vevey.

Key facts

  • Images Vevey is a biennial visual arts festival in Vevey, Switzerland.
  • The festival specializes in exhibiting photographs in public spaces.
  • The 2026 edition marks the festival's tenth anniversary.
  • The unifying theme for this edition is 'the family'.
  • The central image is a 1977 portrait of a nine-year-old girl named Susan.
  • The portrait is displayed on walls and shop windows throughout the city.
  • The image serves as a common thread for the festival.
  • The festival opened on September 9, 2026.

Entities

Artists

  • Anoush Abrar
  • JR
  • Richard Billingham
  • Grace Jones

Institutions

  • Images Vevey

Locations

  • Vevey
  • Switzerland
  • Château de l'Aile

Sources