Grazia Varisco

Grazia Varisco, born in Milan on October 5, 1937, is a prominent Italian artist in the field of kinetic and programmed art. Her artistic training began at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts, where she studied from 1956 to 1960 under the guidance of Achille Funi. During this period, she immersed herself in the research of programmed art, a movement defined by Bruno Munari.
Her artistic path took a decisive turn in the early 1960s, when together with Giovanni Anceschi, Davide Boriani, Gianni Colombo and Gabriele Devecchi, she founded the Gruppo T of Milan. This group became a reference point in the field of kinetic and programmed artistic research. Their manifesto symbolizes a vision of reality in continuous evolution, a principle that characterizes the entire artistic journey of Grazia Varisco.
Grazia Varisco and Gruppo T gained attention for their "Miriorama" exhibitions and actively participated in the Programmed Art exhibitions organized by Bruno Munari. The introduction to these exhibitions was curated by figures such as Umberto Eco. From 1963, Grazia Varisco began exhibiting both in Italy and abroad, participating in important showcases of the international Nouvelle Tendance movement.
After the conclusion of the experience with Gruppo T, she continued her artistic research independently. Meanwhile, from 1961 to 1967, she collaborated with the Development Office of la Rinascente in Milan as a graphic designer and consultant for various entities, including the magazine "Abitare", Kartell, and the Milan International Plan.
A significant moment in her career occurred at the end of the 1960s when she spent a year in the United States, in Ohio. Here, her encounter with artists and faculty from the Departments of Fine Arts greatly enriched her training and contributed to the international success of her artworks.
The artworks of Grazia Varisco are known for their balance and visual harmony, characterized by geometric lines and rigorous execution precision. Her art stands out for its interactivity and the invitation to the viewer to actively participate. Many of her works include moving parts or elements that change based on the observation and movement of the viewer, creating a dialogue between artwork, environment, and observer.
Grazia Varisco has participated in numerous significant artistic events such as the Venice Biennale, the Rome Quadriennale, the Trigon in Graz, the "Italian Art 60/82" exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London, and many other international showcases. In 2007, she was awarded the prize of the National Academy of San Luca and in 2018 received the Antonio Feltrinelli Prize.
Her artworks are exhibited in prestigious museums and collections worldwide, including the Farnesina Collection, the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome, MAMbo in Bologna, the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.