Swiss wrestling: more than a tradition

A graphite drawing exhibition by RJ Blanchette
From September 19 to October 5, 2025, Galerie du Pressor in Ecublens will host Swiss Wrestling: More Than a Tradition — an artistic immersion into the world of Schwingen, the traditional Swiss wrestling style, and the people who keep it alive.
Artist RJ Blanchette presents a series of around twenty graphite drawings, crafted with a precision and patience that echo the very gestures of the tradition they depict. These works capture not only the strength and technique of the sport, but also its quiet moments, its rituals, and the community that surrounds it — athletes, referees, supporters, families.
“Swiss wrestling is much more than a sport. It’s a physical language, a bond between generations. Through graphite, I wanted to preserve these fleeting moments in a timeless medium.” — RJ Blanchette

The exhibition reveals the sport in all its dimensions: sawdust flying through the air, calloused hands, snapping flags, young wrestlers mimicking their elders. Each drawing, created with beveled-tip pencils and meticulous attention to texture and contrast, invites viewers into the collective memory of French-speaking Switzerland.
Opening Reception: Friday, September 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Venue: Galerie du Pressor, Rue de Bassenges 21A, 1024 Ecublens, Vaud
Dates: September 19 – October 5, 2025