Naturalia

Massimiliano Rossetto

2017 – Ongoing — Switzerland, Germany, Italy

About this series

My work on the project “Naturalia” began at the beginning of 2017, after moving from a small Swiss village to Berlin, Germany. I realized that living in one of Europe’s largest capital cities impacted my mental health significantly due to its lack of nature. To reconnect with nature in my everyday life, I began collecting elements from my hometown that reminded me of nature both within and beyond the chaotic city’s limits.
I explore memories associated with landscapes and the notion of searching for a sense of belonging in places affected by man-made and natural artifacts. I am interested in spaces and objects that human activity has built, destroyed, or altered. My work presents an honest geological portrait of what I see, feel, and physically experience around me. In my narrative, I attempt to create a dystopian reality while paying homage to nature at the same time.

Photographer: Massimiliano Rossetto
Nationality: Italian
Based in: Italy
Website: massimilianorossetto.com
Instagram: @massin

Massimiliano Rossetto (*1993) is a Swiss-Italian artist. He graduated in Fine Arts and Contemporary Photography at BLOO in Lyon (France). He is currently enrolled in the Master of Fine Arts program at ZHdK – Zurich University of the Arts (Switzerland). In 2020, he was awarded first prize in the 24th vfg Swiss Young Talent Award for Photography. His work has been exhibited at FOTO WIEN Festival, Noorderlicht International Fotofestival, m.a.x. museo (Spazio Officina), Mois européen de la photographie Luxembourg, IPFO Haus der Fotografie, Imago Lisboa, photoSCHWEIZ, and Verzasca Foto Festival. In his artistic practice, he utilizes photography and sculpture to explore the interweaving of landscapes and memories, particularly in environments shaped by both human and natural forces, narrating his profound connection with nature. He lives and works between Zurich and Berlin.