Matteo Bernasconi

Biography

Born and raised in northern Italy, Matteo Bernasconi’s early years were steeped in the rich cultural and artistic heritage of his homeland.

Originally trained as an architect, he made the bold decision to pursue a full-time career as a professional artist after moving to Australia in 2013. Now based in Sydney, Bernasconi’s art is anchored in a belief that
paintings are not merely objects to be observed but experiences to be felt. His works are catalysts for reflection and dialogue between the viewer and the canvas. Bernasconi is renowned for his oil-on-canvas depictions of the human form and, more deeply, his explorations of the human condition. He has participated in more than 30 exhibitions worldwide, and has been shortlisted for over 20 awards, including the Kilgour Prize, the Mosman Art Prize, and The Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award.

AWARDS

2025 Finalist; Biennale Portrait Prize, Bank Art Museum NSW
2024 Finalist; Brisbane Portrait Prize, Queensland
2024 Finalist; Mandorla Art Prize, Holmes à Court Gallery, Perth WA
2024 Finalist; The Fisher’s Ghost Art Award, Campbelltown Arts Centre
2023 Finalist; Hornsby Art Prize, Wallarobba Arts and Culture Centre
2023 Finalist; Into the Light Art Prize, Whitewall Art Projects

 

SELECTED EXHIBITIONS

2025 Risonanze, Fox Galleries, Melbourne
2025 Essential, Peach Black Gallery, Sydney
2025 Art in Motion, Italian Consulate and Pinacoteca di Brera, Peach Black Gallery
2023 Decade, Scratch Art Space NSW
2023 Cultural Office of the Consulate General of Italy, Ventuno
2023 Evocante, Peach Black Gallery, Sydney
2020 The Cure, Peach Black Gallery, Sydney
2020 The Homo Sapiens, Peach Black Gallery, Sydney
2019 Metamorphosis, Peach Black Gallery, Sydney