In the context of our work for PUNT.URS, the book “Sleeping in the Mosaic” by Raffaela Zenoni is a central and inspiring example of how we can strategically and sustainably deploy artistic soft power.
Within the work for PUNT.URS, the book “Sleeping in the Mosaic” by Raffaela Zenoni was a central and inspiring example of how artistic soft power could be used strategically and sustainably. This extraordinary Gesamtkunstwerk – a poetic art novel that closely interweaves literary narrative with large-format reproductions of her acrylic paintings (e.g. portraits of Marie and Aunt Selva from 2016, 130 × 195 cm) and hundreds of mosaic-like image details – was presented to the public in December 2024 at the Haus der Kunst Uri in Altdorf. The presentation included readings, conversations, and a ceremonial book launch that emphasised Zenoni’s roots in Uri and reflected her journey from pedagogy through the diplomatic service to art.
The special design of the book (approx. 113 pages, colour-illustrated, self-published 2024) made it a real statement: the open thread binding symbolised openness and insight – just as diplomatic work builds bridges and creates spaces for encounters. The narrative follows Marie, her Aunt Selva, and the mysterious, multi-faceted boy Amael (often described as “Amber Amael”) on a playful yet profound journey through dream and reality. They repeatedly enter a sunken city, explore the “script of gratitude,” and process themes such as heritage, loss, healing, and family bonds – accompanied by strongly symbolic motifs such as lavender, honey, gold dust, mosaic stones, and ritual everyday elements (e.g. baking apple cake, magical notebooks that write themselves). The integration of text and images created a synaesthetic experience in which the paintings deepen the narrative and vice versa.
With planned translations and international editions, the work is now being carried across borders:
The Croatian first presentation (under the title “Usnuti u mozaiku”, Fraktura publishing house, April 2025, 108 pages) took place in May 2025 in Zagreb and Split – a logical continuation of the successful exhibitions held there in 2023/2024. Through the family infrastructure, these artistic presentations were deliberately used to create exclusive, intimate spaces for encounters: here, culture became a genuine bridge between decision-makers, patrons, and communities – a model that has been further developed at PUNT.URS.