Born in Italy, Francesca Sganzerla grew up and lived in various and diverse countries. These include Nigeria, Norway, Vietnam, Egypt, the USA, and Mexico. Each place has left a mark on her spirit, allowing her to absorb the unique energy and culture of these regions. Since 2002, she has been living and working in Zurich. This multicultural upbringing has significantly influenced her artistic expression. Beneath a contemplative and tranquil quality of her work at first glance, there is a palpable sense of restlessness that manifests through thick textures and subsequent scratches. These layers of texture mirror the layers of her own experiences, reflecting the transient nature of identity and place. Sganzerla seeks to evoke a profound sense of time and space in her art. Her canvases become walls upon which signs and traces of history accumulate, layer upon layer, revealing the passage of time by capturing moments and emotions. The surface itself becomes a testament to impermanence, much like the walls of ancient buildings that bear the marks of centuries. With a distinct chromatic sensibility she also strives to evoke a perception of extended spaces, inviting viewers to explore beyond what is visible.
One of her most significant achievements includes the installation Bunker/Chapel in the Venice Arsenale, Spazio Thetis, in collaboration with the Michela Rizzo Gallery, presented in the context of the 52nd International Exhibition of the Venice Biennale. In Bunker/Chapel, Sganzerla transformed the symbolic perception of an unusual space, a bunker from the Second World War. By maintaining the outer space in its original form, while transforming the inner space into a meditative and sacred place with a gold-leaf dome, Sganzerla concentrates on a universal spiritual dimension. The solid cement architectural exterior protects a sober, but precious interior, that preserves the signs of its history as if it had always been a place of contemplation.
In addition to her solo exhibitions in Switzerland, Sganzerla has participated in different group exhibitions in a wide array of countries, including USA, Mexico, Italy, Portugal and Austria. Her work has been acquired by international companies and private collectors and she has participated to numerous art competitions. This year, she will participate for the fourth time in the charity auction La Tua Opera Per Un Bambino, in support of the Benedetta D’Intino Foundation, a center that cares for children with psychological distress and communication disabilities, founded by Cristina Mondadori.
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2019 Eliot Partnership, Zurich, CH
2018 Banque CIC Suisse, Zurich, CH
2016 Leaves, Traces and Dreams, Wood Factory Store, Zurich, CH
2012 Signs and Traces, Wood Factory Store, Zurich, CH
2011 BPS, Banca Popolare di Sondrio (Suisse), Zurich, CH
2007 Bunker/Chapel, Permanent Installation, Spazio Thetis in collaboration with the Michela Rizzo Gallery, with the support of the Municipality of Venice. Presented in occasion of the 52nd International Exhibition of the Venice Biennale, Venice, IT
2007 Von Träumen und anderem, Station 21 / Plattform für junge Kunst, Zurich, CH
2006 Of Dreams and Other, SP Schweiz Headquarters, Bern, CH
2005 Terra di Terre, Psychiatrische Universitätsklinik, Zurich, CH
2005 Fragments of Time, 2 Person Show, Kulturraum Mediacampus, Zurich, CH
2003 Stream of Thoughts, FUGE Kunst + Kulturproject in der Grünau, with the support of HGKZ and ProHelvetia, Zurich, CH
2000 2 Person Show, Flussssbar, Zurich, CH
1999 The European Academy for the Arts & Accademia Italiana, London, UK
SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS
2024 Galerie Calabro, Zurich, CH
2024 Ana Archer Art Studio Gallery, Carvoeiero, PT
2023 Tage der Offenen Tür, Atelier 147, Zurich, CH
2023 Art Inspirada Gallery, Lagos, PT
2023 Tage der Offenen Tür, Atelier 147, Zurich, CH
2022 Tage der Offenen Tür, Atelier 147, Zurich, CH
2017 Atelier 147 Artists, Ortsmuseum Wiedikon, Zurich, CH
2015 Tage der Offenen Tür, Atelier 147, Zurich, CH
2014 La tua Opera per un Bambino, 3rd Charity Auction, Sotheby’s, Benedetta d’Intino Foundation, Milan, IT
2013 Usstrinkete (oder: die letzte), Station 21 / Plattform für junge Kunst, Zurich, CH
2012 33. Wiediker Kunstausstellung, Ortsmuseum Wiedikon, Zurich, CH
2010 La tua Opera per un Bambino, 2nd Charity Auction, Palazzo Durini, Benedetta d’Intino Foundation, Porro & Co.’s Auction House, Milan, IT
2008 Fresh! Dall’ Affresco al Contemporaneo e Ritorno, Villa Contarini, with the support of the G.E. Ghirardi Foundation, Piazzola sul Brenta, (Pd), IT
2008 La tua Opera per un Bambino, Charity Auction, Benedetta d’Intino Foundation, Porro & Co.’s Auction House and Meliorbanca Private, Milan, IT
2005 X Rassegna Nazionale d’Arte Contemporanea Saturarte, Cultural Association Satura, with the support of the Region Liguria and the Municipality of Genova, Palazzo Stella, Genova, IT
2004 Preisträger Seetal 04, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Meisterschwanden, CH
2004 Kunst im Dach-Herbst 2004, Kunst Dach Uster, Uster, CH
2004 Offene Ateliers, Das Grosse Finale, FUGE Kunst + Kulturproject in der Grünau, Zurich, CH
2004 Preisträger Seetal 03, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Meisterschwanden, CH
2003 Orient meets Okzident, J.F. Galerie, Zurich, CH
2003 Group Show, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Meisterschwanden, CH
2003 Migrante, 3 Person Show, J.F. Galerie, Zurich, CH
2002 Art Vienna, 2. Internationale Kunstmesse, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Vienna, AT
2002 Dialogo, Municipality of Ortona and Kunst Forum International, Convent S. Anna, Ortona, IT
2002 Group Show, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Meisterschwanden, CH
2001 Ritorni, Sala SS. Filippo e Giacomo, with the support of the Municipality of Brescia, Brescia, IT
2000 Art Fair, Sony ArtWalk, San Diego, CA, USA
2000 Group Show, Mad River Post, San Francisco, CA, USA
1999 The Society for Arts of the Imagination Show, The Mall Galleries, London, UK
1998 Nuestro Mundo, Expresión de Vida, Museum of the Island of Cozumel, MEX
1998 Santa Fe Art Classic International Juried Exhibition, William Vincent Fine Art Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, USA
1998 VI Annual International Juried Show (2nd Place Award), Laredo Center for the Arts, Laredo, TX, USA
1997 Nuestro Mundo, Expresión de Vida, Museum of the Island of Cozumel, MEX
1994 Thirteen Show, Yellow Dog Photo, Austin, TX, USA
1992 Best Artist of the Month Award, Bastanjoo Gallery, Austin, TX, USA
AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
2008 1st Contemporary Art Competition MO>VI Arte 08, Palazzo Spada, Vigonza (Pd), IT
2006 Finalist, V Concorso Nazionale di Pittura Città di Fondi, Municipality of Fondi with the support of the Region Lazio, Castello Caetani, Fondi, IT
2005 Finalist, Arte sui Ponteggi di Palazzo Loggia, Municipality of Brescia and Soprintendenza Beni Architettonici, Palazzo Loggia, Brescia, IT
2004 4th International Competition Seetal, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Meisterschwanden, CH
2003 8 Months Residency, FUGE Kunst + Kulturproject in der Grünau, Zurich, CH
2003 3rd International Competition Seetal, Galerie Del Mese-Fischer, Meisterschwanden, CH
COLLABORATIONS AND PROJECTS
2024 Artbox Project Zürich 6.0, Swiss Art Expo, Zurich, CH
2012 TV-Spot, Ifolor
2011 Catalog, Möbel Pfister
2007 Scenography for the Dance Show Tablao Flamenco, Maiers Theater, Zurich, CH
2006 Commissioned to create the Detecon Award by Detecon, a global consulting company, Zurich, CH
CATALOGS
2024 Galerie Calabro, March 2024
2014 La tua Opera per un Bambino, 3rd Charity Auction, Sotheby’s, Benedetta d’Intino Foundation, Milan, IT
2010 La tua Opera per un Bambino, 2nd Charity Auction, Palazzo Durini, Benedetta d’Intino’s Association, Porro & Co.’s Auction House, Milan, IT
2008 Fresh! Dall’ Affresco al Contemporaneo e Ritorno, Villa Contarini, with the support of the G.E. Ghirardi Foundation, Piazzola sul Brenta, (Pd), IT
2008 La tua Opera per un Bambino, Charity Auction, Benedetta d’Intino Foundation, Porro & Co.’s Auction House and Meliorbanca Private, Milan, IT
2006 V Concorso Nazionale di Pittura Città di Fondi, Municipality of Fondi with the support of the Region Lazio
2005 X Concorso Nazionale d’ Arte Contemporanea Satura, p. 79, Satura with the support of the Region Liguria and the Municipality of Genoa
2004 Kunst - In Zeiten des Übergangs, special supplement in the May issue of Kult, p. 22, FUGE with the support of HGKZ and Pro Helvetia
ARTICLES AND TV
2024 Best Of, iNews Art, Swiss Multilingual Art Magazine, N. 69, June-July, p. 79
2021 Open House Zürich, Ideales Heim, October, p. 28-29
2018 Lifestyle - Richard Kägi, Telezüri, 23 November
2018 La fine prima dell’inizio: l’arte veronese contemporanea racconta la morte, heraldo.it, 6 November
2016 Ein Mann Ein Haus, Sweet Home, blog.tagesanzeiger.ch, 2 July
2014 TGR Lombardia, Rai TV, 11 June
2012 Ifolor TV-Spot, Photo Calendar - Sabina Schneebeli
2011 Viva, Das Wohnmagazin für die Schweiz, Möbel Pfister, October, p. 24-25, 43
2011 Editorial - Die Kunst, nichts zu unterlassen, Ideales Heim, May, p. 3
2011 Das Haus des Scouts, Ideales Heim, March, Cover page and p.34
2010 Aiutare i bambini è un'ARTE, Grazia, 7. June, p. 168
2008 Quando l'artista aiuta i bambini, Il Sole 24 Ore, 11. May, p. 12
2007 Il bunker veneziano dove l'arte è preghiera, F. Bussola, Verona Fedele, 4 November, p. 30
2007 Almanacco - Mostre: Venezia, qui TOURING, September N. 9, p. 122
2007 Biennale & Dintorni - Spazio Thetis: il luogo del possibile, by A. Grandesso, Venice Foundation, July, N. 19, p. 23
2007 Chiesamatta a Venezia by M. Cavallarin, Il Giornale dell'Arte - Vernissage, June, N. 83, p. 30
2007 Da bunker a tempio, Internazionale, 1/7 June N. 695, p. 67
2007 Not only Biennale, Venezia News, June, p. 58
2007 Il bunker rinasce per la preghiera, La Nuova Venezia, 1 June, p. 30
2007 Una luce nel ventre del bunker by E. Veronese, Il Venezia, 27 May, p.43
2007 Il bunker rinasce, diventa cappella, Leggo, 1 June, p.20
2007 L'arte nei capannoni: è l'altro Arsenale by M. Zambon, Corriere del Veneto, 25 May, p. 18
2007 Il bunker di Francesca Sganzerla, Il Gazzettino, 21 June, p. 21
2007 Bunker-Chapel, Installazione di Francesca Sganzerla, Il Venezia, 2 June, p.45
2007 Venezia, NTWK, June N. 111, p. 47
2006 Fondi. Premio di pittura: quaranta finalisti, Parvapolis, 23 October
2005 Inaugurazione X Rassegna Nazionale d'Arte Contemporanea Saturarte - Artisti Espositori, Il Giornale - Genova, 2 December, p. 1
2005 Brescia - In mostra tutte le facciate della Loggia: le opere per abbellire i ponteggi, Giornale di Brescia, 1 July
2004 Accrochages Agenda d'Art, N. 56, p. 36
2004 Wettbewerbe Seetal 03, Futuro, Jan, p. 46-48
2003 Die Abkühlung der Migranten, Schweizer Illustrierte, 17 February, p. 71
2003 Contemporary Art in Zurich 15.01-15.04.2003, Gallery Guide
2002 Farben, Formen und viel Fantasie vereint, Aargauer Zeitung, 14 November
2002 Eine breite Palette künstlerischen Wirkens, Aargauer Zeitung, 21 August
2002 Ein Einblick in die Kunstszene, Lenzburger Bezirks Anzeiger, 22 August
2001 Pittura e Psicologia in Mostra Quattro Autori, Brescia Oggi, 16 June, p. 8
2001 Ritorni: Mostra di Giovani per Giovani, Dipende-Giornale del Garda, June, p.15, col. 2
1998 Juried Art Competition Winners Announced, Laredos, December, p.39, col.4
