Carla Zaccagnini: A Voice of Displacement

Carla Zaccagnini (Buenos Aires, Argentina, 1973) is a Brazilian artist and curator whose work delves into the complexities of cultural exchange and social displacement, particularly within Latin American history. Born in Buenos Aires, she relocated to Brazil with her family in 1981, establishing herself as a prolific contributor to contemporary art discourse. Her artistic journey began with a BFA from Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado in São Paulo (1995), where she studied under the influential artist Nelson Leirner, who championed theoretical exploration through artistic practice—a cornerstone of her subsequent approach. Further honing her skills with an MA in Visual Poetics from Universidade de São Paulo (2004), Zaccagnini adopted a multifaceted methodology that seamlessly blends research and creative expression. Her overarching concern is to interrogate the narratives of history, challenging conventional understandings of truth and representation through subtle transformations of everyday objects and ideas. This strategy—characterized as “displacement”—aims to expose the limitations inherent in language and perception while fostering critical reflection on how knowledge is constructed. Zaccagnini’s artistic practice spans diverse mediums including drawing, installation art, performance, text-based works, and video production, reflecting her commitment to exploring multiple perspectives and methodologies. Notable exhibitions showcasing her distinctive vision include *Elements of Beauty*, presented simultaneously at Van Abbemuseum in Eindhoven and FirstSite in Colchester (2015), which garnered critical acclaim for its exploration of aesthetic concepts within broader sociohistorical contexts. Her participation in the 8th Berlin Biennale (2014) solidified her position as a leading voice in contemporary Latin American art, alongside appearances at the Guggenheim Museum (2014) and Museo Reina Sofía (2015). Furthermore, she was curator for the 34th Biennial of São Paulo (2021), demonstrating her dedication to fostering dialogue and promoting artistic innovation. Her latest solo exhibition, *You Say You Are One, I Hear We Are Many*, debuted at Röda Sten Konsthall in Gothenburg (2018). Her work has been recognized internationally by institutions such as Tate Museum London and the Guggenheim Museum New York, cementing her legacy as a significant figure in shaping discussions about art’s role in confronting historical injustices and reimagining cultural narratives. Currently married to fellow artist Runo Lagomarsino, Zaccagnini continues to push artistic boundaries while advocating for critical engagement with history's complexities.

• Fundação Armando Alvares Penteado (São Paulo), BFA
• Universidade de São Paulo, MA in Visual Poetics
• Curator for the 34th Biennial of São Paulo
• Represented by Gallery Vermelho

Key Works and Exhibitions

• *Evidence of a Farce: Time and the Economist* (2014-2015) – Museu de Arte de São Paulo
• *YO o Robot Saturnino*
• *Bravo-Radio-Atlas-Virus-Opera* (2010)
• *Elements of Beauty* – Van Abbemuseum & FirstSite
• *Ancient History of the Distant Future* – PAFA

Influences and Conceptual Framework

Zaccagnini’s artistic approach is deeply rooted in theoretical considerations, particularly influenced by thinkers exploring concepts of displacement and questioning dominant narratives. Her work consistently examines how cultural exchange shapes historical understanding and utilizes techniques like recontextualization to disrupt conventional representations of the past.