A Conversation with Gallerist interview with Gallerist Fritzi Steinhart from The Stable, S-chanf.
Gallerist Fritzi Steinhart speaks with calm conviction. Rooted in Catholic values but immersed in the contemporary art world, he embodies a philosophy that prizes service over ego, freedom over materialism, and the kitchen table over fleeting trends. Over coffee with ALVA, he reflects on his upbringing, his unease with selling art, and why solitude remains his greatest teacher.
On Place and Peace
What do you value most about where you live?
“I appreciate how down-to-earth it is. Very little feels superficial. The people are real, the rhythm is calm. I’ve reduced screen time, stepped away from social media. There’s peace here, and I’ve learned to enjoy solitude.”
He pauses before adding: “Peaceful rhythm—that’s the best way to put it.”
Mountains, sea or countryside?
“The sea creeps me out. Anything underwater makes me uncomfortable—eels especially. Mountains, on the other hand, feel stable. Unless you’re reckless, they don’t pose much danger. So, mountains.”
On Values and Service
Raised in a Catholic household, Fritzi’s view of the world is shaped by integrity, service, and love—values he believes are increasingly overlooked in today’s culture.
What values did your family instil in you?
“Christian values, absolutely. If you live by the Ten Commandments, you can’t go too far wrong. But above all, love. It’s the greatest gift we have. That’s where growth and beauty in life really lie.”
And which values did you find yourself?
“Solitude. Growing up with three siblings, I had little of it. Later in life, I found that solitude is freedom. It allows me to detach from expectations and reflect.”
On Art and Commerce
As a gallerist, Fritzi works at the intersection of passion and commerce—a tension he finds deeply uncomfortable.
Do you enjoy selling art?
“Not at all. The moment money enters the conversation, it becomes ugly. Writing invoices, chasing payments—there’s nothing beautiful about it. But the first moment, when passion meets passion between gallerist and collector—that’s special. That’s why I stay in this world.”
For him, the art ecosystem thrives when artists, collectors, and gallerists all win. “It’s a triple win, and that reciprocity makes the difficult parts bearable.”
On Materialism and Letting Go
Detachment is central to his philosophy. Ownership, for Fritzi, easily turns into a trap.
Do you collect anything yourself?
“No. Collecting for myself would be bad for business. I dislike attachment to objects. Things eventually become burdens. I once heard of an English gentleman who gave away anything a guest admired in his home. That story stayed with me. There’s freedom in letting go.”
On Food, Kitchens and Family
Outside the gallery, Fritzi has discovered a new passion: cooking. His approach mirrors his philosophy—seasonal, rooted, and grounded in tradition.
Cook at home or eat out?
“Cook at home. I’ve developed a real passion for it. Seasonal cuisine, Austrian classics. I’m working my way through the goldene Plachutta—the Austrian bible of cooking.”
For him, kitchens are more than functional. “It’s where the best conversations happen. Growing up, everything revolved around the kitchen. I can’t imagine living with a closed-off kitchen. It has to be open, warm, social.”
On Travel and People
Where would you like to travel next?
“South America fascinates me. South Africa too, for its people and landscapes. And Australia—every Australian I’ve met has been funny, warm, easy to be around.”
Closing Thoughts
Fritzi’s reflections reveal a man who resists ego and embraces service. For him, art is not about possession but about relationships, generosity, and passion. His life is anchored in values that cut through the noise of contemporary culture: peace, solitude, love—and the freedom that comes from letting go.
What Next?
Discover more conversations exploring art, culture, and values at Alva Switzerland