Tulio Bühler

I had the pleasure of meeting Tulio in May 2023, thanks to my friend Tom who introduced me to ZHdK fine art department arts and people there. From our very first encounter, I was immediately impressed by Tulio's remarkably positive energy and his work. I like how he speaks through his work with the city.

I found myself intrigued by Tulio's journey, as he's in the beginning of his artistic career. I wanted to to gain insights into the life of an artist who is actively pursuing their dreams.

The morning prayer

translated:

at dawn

I want to give thanks

because I am able

to breathe and see

hear and smell

feel and love.

I am able

to move as I wish.

I thank you that you will be with me today,

to guide me to places

and experiences

that I must live,

to grow and continue my path.

I feel blessed

for this life that I can live.

Thank you for this new day.

Morning swim at Limmat , Zürich

^{What is your morning routine?

I usually wake up and I start by placing three cups in the kitchen – two for tea and one for warm water. Then I go on the balcony to take in some fresh air and drink the warm water. On the balcony I also say my morning prayer. I give thanks for the new day, for the ability to breathe, see, listen, smell, feel, and love. That I feel blessed for this life an that I’m thankful for this new day.

The concept of the morning prayer is thought out as an interactive pray.
For example, when I get to the part
“porque soy capaz de respirar”
I take a deep breath.
It’s about doing things consciosly.

After being on the balcony, I do some gentle exercises to wake up my body. Then, I engage in automatic writing, where I write down a few lines in my notebook. Next, I have beakfast, take a showe, and I get ready for the day. I usually pack my bag the night before, so I can grab it and head out. If the weather is nice, I love to stop on my way to the atelier to take a swim in the Limmat.}

^{When do you feel the most secure and the most vulnerable?

I feel most secure when I'm working independently with a clear concept and a good grasp of the details. However, when it comes to vulnerability, I try not to let it affect me when I share my work with viewers and critics. I believe that detachment from one's work can be a strength. Nevertheless, it's not always easy, and I do feel vulnerable when I receive valid critique, particularly if it points out aspects of my work that I haven't fully developed. But I’m not sure if vulnerable is the right word for it.}

^{Is it about who you are or who you want to be?

I've always had dreams and desires about how I want to work and live. But I understood that I’m already living the way I want. There isn't much difference between the way I imagined my future and what I'm doing right now. I found it delightful to know that I'm already living the life I had imagined.}

^{Can you tell me more about your “Weekly City Column” project?

It started in a time where I wanted to produce and exhibit regularly. The idea is to share thoughts, feelings, and experiences in a visual and written format on a weekly basis. I put these columns in public spaces to create an audience and engage in the act of publishing. I am still experimenting and always changing the concept and adapting.

I'm currently placing them at Escher Wyss Platz, Röschibachplatz, Schaffhauserplatz, Guggacherstrasse and Sternener Oerlikon.

My goal is to continue this project, potentially until my upcoming exchange in Tokyo, next February.}

^{What are you waiting for?

Nothing, I realized that I can’t wait for something.
If you want something to happen, you have to make it happen for yourself.
I don’t wait for anything.}

^{What are your favorite places in Zurich?

I love the Limmat River and the forests where I take walks.}

^{Which signs do you follow?

I try to follow every sign I come across. But you know, I don't think the tricky part is following the signs. It's more about being open to these little hints, I guess. I think that's the key or the perspective that helps you stay open to new experiences. Being curious.}

^{Have you ever been to Estonia?

Not yet, but while I lived in Berlin, I met Triin who is form Estonia.
She's wonderful and lovely person. Always when I saw her, it felt like the sun would came up.
I'd really like to visit Estonia. I've heard that there are many islands, and the main land is quite flat.
I've seen pictures of Tallinn, which look colorful.}

at dusk

I want to give thanks

for the good food

I received today,

for the people with whom

I shared beautiful moments,

for the inspirations,

for what I was able to create,

for what I understood.

I give thanks

for the way I was able to use

my body and my mind.

I feel blessed

for this life that I can live.

Thank you for this day.

^{Thank you for reading the interview.
Have a look at Tulio’s work on his website:

https://www.tuliobuehler.ch}

︎︎︎

Tulio Bühler

^︎︎︎