Sarah Atzori De Bruin

My name is Sarah Atzori (IT/NL), and I am a multidisciplinary artist and researcher with a unique perspective shaped by diverse life experiences. I graduated from the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague, in 2016, specializing in Autonomous Art. In 2024, I completed my Master’s in Fine Arts and Design at the Piet Zwart Institute in Rotterdam.

My artistic journey delves deep into family dynamics and cultural heritage, expressed through dramatic and comedic installations, performances, videos, and images. My work is profoundly influenced by my grandmother's rituals, exploring themes of healing and mourning. I blend sonic artistry to navigate the tension between ancient traditions and modern skepticism, offering a deeply personal commentary on the erosion of cultural practices in a materialistic society.

Having run away from home long ago, I feel as if I've lived two distinct lives. This duality informs my art, which often features the misadventures of my sister, my mother, and myself. Through my creative process, I celebrate these narratives, constructing a sanctuary that helps me alleviate the guilt of not being there for my family when they needed me, and vice versa.

My sister's life has been impacted by a specific form of epilepsy, diagnosed after a series of falls resulting in fractures. This condition prevents her from living peacefully. My mother, a woman from a generation where domestic violence in a southern Italian village was common, has battled cancer in recent years. Her trauma, likely linked to unacknowledged past experiences, has been a silent presence in our lives.

In addition to these family challenges, I recently faced my first panic attack, underscoring the ongoing impact of our shared struggles on my mental health. Despite these hardships, my art remains a powerful medium through which I explore and express the enduring legacy of family traditions and the passage of time.

Through my work, I aim to create a dialogue about the intersection of personal history and broader cultural narratives, reflecting on the complexities of identity, memory, and resilience.