Mythical creatures reveal an underlying malevolence and joyous carnival events become filled with melancholy in the work of promising young Swiss artist Augustin Rebetez, who has opened his first solo UK exhibition in Hatfield.

Thanks for Giving Me the Sky but I’m Not a Bird will see the walls at the University of Hertfordshire Galleries plastered with his signature large-format, self-adhesive photographs and drawings, some of which are 8ft in height whereas others are A5 size.

Difficult to define stylistically, Rebetez uses a range of contemporary materials combining anything from plaster, masking tape, marker pens and plastic wrap with props like old roller skates, construction materials and discarded car tyres, creating his own visual grammar.

Some of Rebetez’ work recalls the modern whimsy of fellow Swiss artist Paul Klee – currently the subject of a major exhibition at Tate Modern – in particular Klee’s drawings and puppets.

British audiences might recognise anarchic conjunctions of ideas, motifs and materials, which can be seen in the work of David Shrigley.

As part of the exhibition, UH Galleries will reproduce the artist’s Youth Art Makers’ Manifesto for the first time in English and Rebetez will work with students on a collaborative wood and cardboard sculpture.

He says: “I really like the space here in Hatfield. It has interesting architecture to respond to and I like to exhibit in lively places – the exhibition has really captured the attention of the students passing by.“ Rebetez has exhibited widely across Europe since graduating from the school of photography in Vevey, Switzerland in 2009.

He was the winner of the Photofolio Review at Recontres D’Arles in France in 2011 and the Swiss Photo Award 2012. He has recently been awarded the Vevey International Photography Prize.

The exhibition is supported by Pro Helvetia the Swiss Arts Council, the Swiss Cultural Fund in Britain and Republique et Canton du Jura.

University of Hertfordshire Galleries, Art & Design Gallery, College Lane, Hatfield, until January 25, Monday to Friday 9.30am - 5.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 3.30pm. Details: 01707 281127, uhgalleries@herts.ac.uk, herts.ac.uk