Bernardo Zavattini is a painter, architect, and lighting designer based in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Painting and exhibiting since 1984, first in Switzerland and later in New York, his work draws on the urban and industrial landscape — garages, waterfronts, streets at night, figures absorbed in their work. Working from observation and memory, the paintings follow light as it permeates everyday spaces.
With over 25 years of experience across architecture, public art, and education, his practice bridges artistic vision, technological innovation, and spatial design. His collaboration with artist Kimsooja on multiple international projects involved fundamental contributions to both the conceptual framework and technical execution of the works, including installations at the Cisternerne in Copenhagen, the Paris Metro, the Museo Reina Sofía's Palacio de Cristal in Madrid, and the Korean Pavilion at the 2013 Venice Art Biennale.
His professional portfolio spans commercial, hospitality, and educational projects, having served as lead designer with firms including Kondylis Architects and JFA, and collaborating with studios including the Guggenheim Museum and L'Observatoire International. His technical work encompasses networked LED systems, generative light installations, cellular automata, and neural networks in urban contexts.
A dedicated educator, Bernardo has taught for eleven years in the Summer architecture programs at Parsons School of Design and Columbia University, and previously taught fine art painting at ECBA-EDHEA in Sion, Switzerland.
Bernardo holds a Master of Architecture from Rice University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from ESAV-HEAD in Geneva, Switzerland.
Curriculum Vitae