ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Swiss identity shaped by migrants and expats, says NZZ cultural market column

opinion-review · 2026-06-06

A column in the Neue Zürcher Zeitung's cultural market section explores how Switzerland has been fundamentally shaped by migrants, refugees, and expatriates, who are described as having felt like 'aliens'. The piece reflects on the paradox that as global uncertainty rises, narratives of decline become culturally appealing. The column does not focus on a specific art event but offers a broader cultural commentary on Swiss identity and contemporary anxieties.

Key facts

  • Column published in NZZ cultural market section
  • Title: 'Untergang ist jetzt sexy' (Decline is now sexy)
  • Migrants, refugees, and expats described as having felt like 'aliens'
  • Column argues these groups have shaped Switzerland
  • Reflects on cultural appeal of decline narratives amid global uncertainty

Entities

Institutions

  • Neue Zürcher Zeitung

Locations

  • Switzerland

Sources