Zesar’s 100th Anniversary: A Monumental and Ephemeral Fresco by Saype at Chasseral

On the occasion of its 100th anniversary, Zesar, a company based in Tavannes, has invited Franco-Swiss artist Saype to create a monumental fresco on the pastures of the Chasseral Pass, starting on September 7, 2026. Painted directly onto the grass using fully biodegradable pigments, the artwork will naturally disappear within a few days without leaving any trace. Its motif, which will remain secret until its unveiling, will be revealed by the artist around September 9.

A 100% biodegradable technique

Saype is internationally renowned for his giant frescoes painted directly onto grass. His technique is based on fully biodegradable paints of his own creation, made from natural pigments such as chalk and charcoal. They do not affect the soil or vegetation.
Each artwork begins with a scaled sketch, which is transferred onto the site using a precise grid. The artist plays with perspective so that the fresco can be viewed from above and from the air.
The artwork is ephemeral by nature: it will exist for a few days, evolve with the growth of the grass and weather conditions, and then gradually disappear. Nature will then reclaim the space, and the landscape will return to its original state.

An artwork whose motif remains a secret
For now, the motif of the fresco remains a surprise. Reflecting values that are important to both Saype and Zesar, as well as to the region hosting the artwork, it will be unveiled by the artist himself around September 9.

One hundred years in Tavannes
Founded in 1926, Zesar is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. The festivities will continue at its production site, with an invitation-only day dedicated to education and training professionals and architects on September 16, attended by Saype; a microtechnology breakfast organized in partnership with CEP on September 17; and an open day for the public on September 19, 2026, featuring regional food and a concert by Carrousel.