Conrad Jon Godly

Born in 1962, in Davos, Switzerland, Conrad Jon Godly addresses the symbiotic relationship between human nature and the sublime; finding beauty in the awe and terror of nature. Godly's paintings are a reminder of the futility of human existence, whose blunt expression of natural forms are an exercise in capturing the intricacies of the dramatic. Godly's works often incorporate heavy impasto canvases to capture the essence of nature, inspired to produce works of energy and hope, reflecting the semiotic richness of his surrounding environment.  

 

In his latest series, RENAISSANCE, Godly showcases a technical shift, moving from oil to acrylic, creating richly impastoed compositions that merge abstraction with realism, offering viewers an intimate window into both the sublime power of the Alpine landscape and Godly's personal journey of renewal and healing. RENAISSANCE thus stands as a powerful meditation on nature's capacity for restoration, embodying the majesty of the mountains and his profound journey of creative regeneration.

 

After graduating from Basel's School of Art in 1986, Godly moved away from Switzerland, changing both his surroundings and medium. From 1988 - 2004, Godly's photographic work found international success both in magazines and advertising, and, briefly living in Vienna, Godly settled in Switzerland, where he currently lives and works. Godly has since been honoured by the Ryosokuin-Kenninji Temple, Kyoto's oldest zen temple. 

 

In 2025, Godly believes he is painting better than ever before. Godly continues to mine the dramatic tension of the mountains as his subject matter, combining an ever-present spirituality with an affirmation that 'we should take great care of ourselves and our nature.'