Jani Leinonen uses cereal boxes – objects from the real world – to illustrate the heroes’ feats. In this way, his art suggests reality and mixes fact with fiction. At the same time, the visual language of commercial products is understood worldwide. “It’s a kind of Orwellian newspeak that only presents happy, beautiful, colourful, exciting and positive things. Nothing bad happens in advertising. It’s a bit of a toxically positive view of the world”, explains the Finnish artist.

With his art, Leinonen wants to encourage people to talk about all kinds of topics, stories and feelings – including negative, sad, frightening or disturbing ones. “If we don’t engage with all our emotions and accept them, we feel much worse in the long term”, says the artist. Pairing the “cereal mascots” with complex topics and celebrating these stories provides surprising impulses that provoke thought. The cereal boxes in this year’s Advent calendar also reference the Dolder Grand’s art collection, which includes other works of this kind.

In addition to honoring these historical legends, the Canvas Bar also wants to express gratitude to the unsung heroes of our daily operations: farmers and producers. “Without their dedication and craftsmanship, we wouldn’t be able to create our imaginative drinks. It is only through their passion that we have the opportunity to offer these exceptional products,” says Bartender Matthieu Doucet.

Christian Drouin Selection Calvados, Baked apple cordial, coconut milk, gingerbread syrup, citrus. Garnish with gingerbread dust, mint and cherry.

Once again this year, the Dolder Grand would like to help make the world a better place. Instead of traditional Christmas cards, the Hotel is sending digital greetings. The production and postage costs saved are donated to Winterhilfe Schweiz – an organisation that supports families, couples and individuals affected by invisible poverty.