Art Zurich 2025, held from May 23 to 25 at Puls 5, showcased a diverse array of contemporary artworks, with a notable emphasis on female artists. Among the standout participants were Patricia Dreyfus and Natalia Zarali, whose works exemplify the fair‘s commitment to highlighting women’s contributions to the arts.
Art Zurich 2025: A Platform for Diversity
Since its inception in 1999, Art International Zurich has evolved into a significant event in the Swiss art scene. It attracts over 1,000 exhibitors from more than 70 countries. Puls 5 in Zurich West is a dynamic space for artists to present contemporary styles, as sculpture, photography, and digital art.
The 2025 edition continued this tradition, offering a platform for both emerging and established artists. The inclusion of artists like Dreyfus and Zarali underscores the fair’s dedication to promoting gender diversity and supporting women in the arts.
Patricia Dreyfus: Interweaving Feminism and Surrealism
Patricia Dreyfus, a French-Swiss artist residing between Basel and Berlin, presented a compelling collection of hand-stitched embroideries at Booth 57. Her work intricately blends drawing, sculpture, and embroidery to explore themes of origin, identity, and gender.
Born in Dakar, Senegal, in 1951 and raised in Paris, Dreyfus’s early experiences in England and New York had a profound influence on her artistic vision. Her involvement in feminist intellectual circles in France during the 1970s further shaped her perspective. Transitioning from filmmaking to visual arts, she now focuses on creating pieces that reflect her personal experiences and observations, often infused with humor and irony.
Natalia Zarali: Exploring Mythology and Emotion
Greek artist Natalia Zarali captivated audiences at Booth 48 with her “Cascade of Miracles” series. Her paintings, characterized by a unique blend of graphics and spiritual themes, invite viewers into a world of wonder and imagination.
Zarali’s work draws upon mythology and enduring archetypes to delve into the depths of the human psyche. Pieces like “Donatrice di Vita” and “Il Sonno della Sposa” exemplify her ability to convey the beauty of serendipity and the magic within emotions. Her art offers a transcendental journey, encouraging introspection and exploration of the enigmatic aspects of existence.
Championing Women in the Arts
Art International Zurich’s inclusion of artists like Dreyfus and Zarali reflects a broader commitment to supporting women in the arts. This dedication is mirrored in other Zurich-based initiatives, such as the Zurich Art Weekend and exhibitions like “ReCollect!” at Kunsthaus Zurich, which address the historical underrepresentation of women artists.
By providing platforms for female artists to showcase their work, these events challenge traditional narratives and promote a more inclusive art world.
The participation of Patricia Dreyfus and Natalia Zarali in Art International Zurich 2025 underscores the fair’s commitment to promoting gender diversity within the contemporary art scene. Their distinct artistic approaches—Dreyfus’s fusion of feminism and surrealism and Zarali’s exploration of mythology and emotion—offer profound insights into the human experience.
As the art world continues to evolve, events like Art Zurich play a crucial role in amplifying the voices of women artists and fostering a more inclusive cultural dialogue.
