François Bonjour, originally from Dino (Lugano), has been active on the Swiss art scene since 1981 and is known for his unique style. His creations – textured paintings and sculptures – are created by assembling materials steeped in memory: fragments of old books, newspaper clippings, pages from old notebooks, worn fabrics, ropes, string, wax and pigments are layered on the surface in a carefully studied harmony of signs and materials. Mysterious writings and calligraphy often appear, sometimes barely legible, like traces of a bygone era. These non-pictorial elements and overlays give the works an almost three-dimensional dimension, transforming the paintings into objects halfway between painting and sculpture. The result is a visual language with a strong evocative impact: Bonjour's creations invite us to reflect on the theme of memory in the digital age and on what is worth saving from oblivion.
Within the refined surroundings of THE VIEW Lugano – a hotel conceived as a temple of design and beauty – Bonjour's works interact evocatively with the modern architecture and elegant atmosphere of the building. The raw materials and patinas of time contrast with the contemporary and luxurious lines of the hotel, creating an exhibition space with a powerful sensory impact. Visitors can thus immerse themselves in an original artistic experience: on the one hand, the breathtaking view of the lake and the city of Lugano offered by the hotel's panoramic terraces; on the other, François Bonjour's intimate and poetic visions, made up of memories and dreams imprinted on canvas. “Signs and dreams” on the shores of Lake Ceresio: although it has no official title, the exhibition at The View Lugano represents an important milestone for François Bonjour in 2025. After presenting his works in institutional spaces and galleries – including recent exhibitions in Lugano such as Altri luoghi, altre vite (Other places, other lives) at Serene Gallery – the artist now arrives in a new setting, that of luxury hospitality. This collaboration between artist and hotel demonstrates how art can find space outside traditional contexts, meeting the public in places of everyday life and tourist excellence.
THE VIEW Lugano, for its part, enriches its guests' stay with added cultural value, in line with the hotel's philosophy of offering experiences that nourish not only the body but also the spirit. The François Bonjour exhibition at THE VIEW Lugano is open to hotel guests free of charge throughout the period indicated. Until the end of October 2025, visitors will be able to admire the works on display – including paintings and installations – and be captivated by the interweaving of stories, materials and suggestions that the Lugano-based artist brings with him.
The shared hope is that this initiative will be just the beginning of further synergies between the local art world and the excellence of Ticino hospitality, in a continuous dialogue between culture and territory.
François Bonjour's works are part of public and private collections, and he has had numerous solo and group exhibitions in Switzerland and abroad. Among the exhibition spaces that have recently hosted his work are the Biblioteca Salita dei Frati and Villa Sassa in Lugano, confirming his deep connection with the local cultural scene and his constant search for new dialogues with the public.
