ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Urs Augstburger's Literary Premonition of Swiss Drought

publication · 2026-08-16

Swiss writer Urs Augstburger, in his latest work, anticipated the drought conditions currently affecting Switzerland, as highlighted in a recent NZZ article. The piece, titled «Fuck! Jetzt sind wir so weit», draws a connection between Augstburger's literary foresight and the present environmental reality. Augstburger, known for his keen observations, had previously depicted scenarios of water scarcity and its societal impacts. The article also shifts focus to Naples, Italy, exploring how the city's literary scene, particularly the success of Elena Ferrante's 'My Brilliant Friend', has contributed to its transformation into a tourism hotspot over the past decade. Ferrante's global phenomenon has drawn attention to Naples, intertwining literature with urban identity. The piece underscores the role of authors in shaping perceptions of place, with Augstburger's work serving as a prescient commentary on climate-related challenges. The article was published on NZZ, a prominent Swiss newspaper, and reflects on the intersection of literature, environment, and urban culture.

Key facts

  • Urs Augstburger is a Swiss writer.
  • Augstburger's work anticipated Swiss drought conditions.
  • The article title is «Fuck! Jetzt sind wir so weit».
  • Naples has become a tourism hotspot in the last decade.
  • Elena Ferrante's 'My Brilliant Friend' became a worldwide success.
  • The article discusses Naples' influence on Italian literature.
  • The source is NZZ, a Swiss newspaper.
  • The article connects literature with environmental and urban themes.

Entities

Artists

  • Urs Augstburger
  • Elena Ferrante

Institutions

  • NZZ

Locations

  • Switzerland
  • Naples
  • Italy

Sources