Peter Doig's Zermatt series is a captivating exploration of the serene and enigmatic landscapes of the Swiss Alps, particularly around the town of Zermatt, known for its picturesque views and the iconic Matterhorn. Created over several years, these paintings reflect Doig's deep engagement with nature, memory, and the passage of time. Doig, a contemporary Scottish artist renowned for his dreamy and atmospheric paintings, drew inspiration from his visits to Zermatt. The stark beauty of the alpine scenery and the unique interplay of light and shadow across the snow-covered peaks profoundly influenced his work. The series features a range of landscapes, from panoramic views of the mountains to intimate scenes of snowy forests and isolated cabins. Doig's compositions juxtapose vast, open spaces with detailed, textural elements, creating a sense of depth and wonder. The Matterhorn, with its distinctive pyramid shape, frequently appears, serving as a symbol of permanence and majesty amidst the changing environment.

Doig employs a rich, varied palette to capture the shifting moods of the alpine environment. Cool blues and whites convey the crispness of the snow and sky, while warmer tones hint at the sun's fleeting presence and the warmth of life within the cold landscape. His treatment of light is particularly noteworthy, capturing the subtle nuances of dawn, dusk, and twilight, rendering the landscape with a luminous quality that evokes both the physical and emotional experience of being in the mountains. Known for his innovative use of paint, Doig layers colors and textures to create surfaces that are visually complex and tactile. This technique adds depth to the snow and rocks, making them appear almost tangible. He often incorporates elements of abstraction, blurring the line between reality and memory, imbuing the paintings with a dreamlike quality.

The Zermatt series meditates on the solitude and stillness of the natural world. Isolated cabins and lone figures in some paintings suggest a quiet introspection, inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with nature and solitude. Doig's work frequently explores the theme of memory, and the Zermatt series evokes a sense of timelessness, infused with personal and collective memories of the mountains. This duality reflects the transient yet enduring nature of human experience. There is an element of mystery and enchantment in these paintings. The ethereal quality of the light, the almost otherworldly stillness, and the dramatic contrasts all contribute to a sense of enchantment, drawing viewers into a contemplative and meditative state.

Peter Doig's Zermatt series is a significant contribution to contemporary landscape painting. It showcases his mastery in capturing the ephemeral beauty of nature and the profound impact of memory and time on our perception of the world. Through these works, Doig invites viewers to experience the majestic and mysterious alpine landscapes of Zermatt, offering a window into a world where the physical and the emotional, the real and the imagined, seamlessly intertwine.