Daniela Parhisi, born in Trogen, Switzerland in 1969, is an artist with a rich and diverse practice, deeply rooted in her connection to nature and shaped by her global experiences. Her artistic foundation was forged at the Art Academy Düsseldorf, where she studied painting under Professor Markus Lüpertz, earning her Diploma Meisterschülerin in 1995.
Parhisi's work is a dialogue between different cultures and media. It is profoundly influenced by her numerous international residencies, which serve as a source of material and inspiration. During her time in Los Angeles Parhisi focused on the photographic exploration of urban structures, contrasting them with indigenous staples like beans and corn from local Guatemalan neighborhoods. This juxtaposition highlights a central theme in her work: the search for ancient spirit and cultural roots within the modern, urban landscape.
Her residencies in Paros, Greece, and Bali have been equally pivotal. In Greece, she began processing her collected materials, casting seeds—symbols of creation—in resin and combining them with traditional elements like Greek crochet patterns. These objects and collages create a microcosm where nature and technology engage in a quiet conversation. In Bali, rice grains and the tradition of offerings became core components of her artistic language, further bridging her work with cultural cornerstones.
Her work has been featured in a variety of solo and group exhibitions, including "sometimes a wind blows" and "Salon de Imperfectionism" at Wonzimer Gallery. She continues to create from her studio in St. Gallen, Switzerland.