Sound and color. Rhythm and paint. Joy and dedication.

These are the elements that describe the unique launching of the ongoing art exhibit of 68-year-old Swiss artist Markus Pfäffli in an afternoon of visual treats, which were presented with a live jazz concert featuring a four-member jazz band called the Marcel Huisman Jazz Four (MHJ4) at an art gallery in Kerzers, Switzerland.

Pfäffli’s 35 ‘musical paintings’ were put on display in his exhibit dubbed “Farbwelten” (Colorful World) at the cave-shaped art gallery Galerie Kulturkeller Gerbestock, the centerpiece of which is called “A Ship Arrives to be Tanked” (Es kommt ein Schiff geladen in German).

The former elementary school teacher and freelance painter said that the “Es kommt ein Schiff geladen” (see photo above) is more than a Christmas song; this artwork bridges Christmas and Easter. Each element presented in this piece of art symbolizes something divine — the ship represents death, Angel Gabriel, the Son of God; the sail, love; the mast, the Holy Spirit; and the anchor, the earth.

“Whoever wants to partake with Christ must suffer,” Pfäffli explained to the group of visitors, who came to the opening of his exhibit. “And if you look here, the melody is integrated in the painting with its musical lines and moods.”

One particular piece, entitled “Siegfried” (Siegfried in Frieden), tells the story of a famous German saga hero who killed the dragon Fafnir and took a bath using the slayed dragon’s blood, which protected him from all physical harm. As the story goes, a leaf fell from a tree and landed on Siegfried’s back while he was taking the blood bath. And so, that part of his body remained unprotected.

“Siegfried,” which literally means “to be victorious in peace,” is close to Pfäffli’s heart. As his wife Murielle explained: “Markus has something courageous in him just like the saga hero Siegfried. Just like what has been depicted in this painting, my husband is ready to extinguish fire or fight against injustice. At the same time, he is vulnerable.”

Pfäffli’s other paintings, which are equally striking with the artist’s skillful rendition of color, composition and structure, were also put on display, along with dozens of the artist’s specially made art cards spread out on a table.

In between the artist’s presentation of his major works — his wife Murielle was there as the program host — the MHJ4 jazz group, composed of saxophonist Marcel Huisman, pianist Richard Zurbuchen, bassist Toni Aebischer, and drummer Marcel Gerber, provided some fitting musical interpretations to ‘tune in’ to the themes of some selected artworks. At one point, guests even sang Christian songs reminiscent of Christmas, as part of the art presentation.

Pfäffli’s son Matthias, a 19-year old environmental engineering student of the famed ETH in Zurich, confirmed in an interview that his father’s artworks were well-received by the guests during the exhibit opening.

“I think all the people liked it very much, especially the difference between the art and music. My Dad paints a lot of musical pictures…he used a lot of music in his art, and people like it,” Matthias said, adding that his father is his inspiration. (Click here to view the interview.)

Guests were impressed and touched with Pfäffli’s visual creations. The gallery’s guestbook was filled with messages of encouragement and praise:

“This vermissage will reverberate,” wrote one visitor.

“I am astonished, and wonder how you manage to combine music and painting,” scribbled another.

One guest, who was clearly touched, commented, “Your portrayals continue to live in my heart. They challenge and dare me to break free from my gridlock.”

“We are always fascinated to see how he (Pfäffli) can translate music into colors,” said Maria Kopp, a good friend of the artist and the MHJ4 band members, in a spontaneous interview. “It (the exhibit) gives you a lot of hope for everyday life.” (Click here to listen to the comprehensive video commentary from guest Maria Kopp.)

The “Farbwelten” art exhibt runs until Feb. 1 (except on Jan. 30). Galerie Kulturkeller Gerbestock is located at Gerbegasse 14, 3210 Kerzers. For details, call 032-3131859)