Felice Varini

Born in Locarno, Switzerland 1952. Lives and works in Paris.

Being celebrated as one of the most interesting artist of his generation and mostly known for his geometric perspective-localized paintings in rooms and other spaces, Felice Varini has exhibited worldwide.

The artist paints on architectural and urban spaces, such as streets, buildings, public monu- ments, etc., both indoors and outdoors. Starting his practice in 1972, Varini is interested in the thematic of representation and the viewer’s perception. His work establishes a permanent dialogue between the site of its creation and its perception. According to the artist, “The painted form is coherent when the spectator stands in a given place. When the individual shifts from that point of view, the work enters the space, which gives rise to an infinite number of perspectives of the form. While I establish a special relationship with architectural characteristics that influence the form of the installation, my work nonetheless retains its independence irrespective of the architectures I encounter. I start with a real situation to construct my painting.”

Varini’s artworks are intended to be seen both as fragments and as a whole as the comprehension of his works can be altered according to the viewers’ vantage point (usually a simple geometric shape such as circle, square, line). Playing with both simple geometric forms and colors, the artist’s work inhabits and coexists with the space it is set in to give his paintings a spectacular 3-dimensional effect. “My concern,” he says “is what happens outside the vantage point of view.”

Selected group exhibitions include: the Osaka Art Kaleidoscope, Osaka, Japan (2007) and Versailles Off, Chateau of Versailles, France (2006). Public works include 3 Ellipses for 3 Locks at Cardiff Bay Barrage, commissioned by Cardiff Harbour Authority, Cardiff, Wales (2007).