Matterhorn lights up with flags from around the world

As the world navigates a unique time in modern history, people around the globe are seeking out symbols of hope and unity. In that spirit, light artist Gerry Hofstetter is illuminating the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland, with flags from many different countries and thank-you messages in English, French, Italian and German.

Over five weeks, the artist projected light onto the mountain’s peak as a sign of hope and solidarity. Some countries even responded in kind; when the flag of the United Arab Emirates was projected on the Matterhorn, a Swiss flag was projected on the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

While the images appear bright in the photos, the effect was much more subtle in person, as to not disturb residents near the Matterhorn. No animals live on the Matterhorn, either, so no wildlife was disturbed during the exhibit.

Hofstetter has worked on numerous projects around the world, working in the medium of light projection, but particularly in his native Switzerland.