From March 28 to 30, 2025, the city of Lugano will host the sixth edition of YouNique – Boutique Fair of Arts, an exceptional exhibition that transcends the traditional art fair format. Set within the elegant neoclassical Villa Ciani, this event showcases a curated selection of international galleries and independent artists, making it a unique point of reference for contemporary art lovers in Italian-speaking Switzerland.
Nestled in the heart of Lugano, just steps from the shores of Lake Ceresio, Villa Ciani’s beautifully frescoed halls will welcome an increasingly knowledgeable audience. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage with not only international galleries but also emerging and established independent artists from around the globe, all eager to promote their work and share their creative narratives.
Under the patronage and support of the City of Lugano and Lugano Region, YouNique is directed by Andrea Peri, alongside Sonia Gaffuri, event manager at Target Management SA, a Swiss company specializing in bespoke projects and events in the realm of excellence and art. This year, the fair will feature 73 artists, both independent and represented by galleries, presenting artworks for admiration and purchase over the three-day event.
Among the notable participants are several prominent international contemporary art galleries. Akka Project, with locations in Dubai, Venice, and Lugano, specializes in African art and will showcase works by influential artists such as Reinata Sadimba, who challenges gender roles through her anthropomorphic figures, and Gonçalo Mabunda, who repurposes deactivated weapons to reflect on politics and the transformative power of art.
Madeinartgallery from Milan, known for its focus on contemporary Chinese art, will present the works of Chen Wenling, celebrated for his neo-realist sculptures that often tackle social and cultural themes. Zanini Arte, a historic Italian gallery founded in 1914, will feature pieces from renowned street artist Mr. Brainwash, as well as Andrea Crespi, who explores social issues through a distinctive visual language.
The fair will also spotlight the work of Angelo Accardi, a contemporary painter known for his ostrich figures that blend pop culture references with critical reflections on the modern world. Punto sull’Arte, a gallery from Varese, will present Roberto Bernardi, an internationally recognized painter famous for his hyper-realistic still lifes.
Additionally, the Crumb Gallery promotes female artists in contemporary art, showcasing talents such as Adriana Luperto, Glenda Costa, and Sophie Dickens, the granddaughter of Charles Dickens, known for her large-scale sculptures exhibited in various venues.
The fair will feature a significant representation of female independent artists, including Alketa Delishaj, whose acclaimed series “Le Tuffatrici” transforms early Olympic female divers into symbols of emancipation and resistance, and Angela Saavedra, a versatile artist who won the Artexpo contest at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Amirata Winter, recognized for her award-winning work “Valentine,” will also be featured, highlighting the growing prominence of women in the art world.
YouNique will also host a series of insightful discussions on contemporary art, moderated by Greta Zuccali, an art curator and advisor. The first talk, scheduled for March 28 at 2:30 PM, will explore “Art as an Asset Class,” providing a comprehensive overview of the art market, its key players, and investment strategies. The second discussion, on March 29 at 3:30 PM, will delve into “AI: Ally or Enemy of Contemporary Art?” addressing the ethical and legal questions surrounding artificial intelligence in the creative process.
Throughout the event, attendees will have the chance to witness live performances by some of the participating artists, enriching the experience of this vibrant art fair.
YouNique – Boutique Fair of Arts promises to be a remarkable event that celebrates the diversity and creativity of contemporary art. With its unique setting, an impressive lineup of artists and galleries, and engaging discussions, it is set to become a key highlight in the cultural calendar of Lugano. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this artistic treasure from March 28 to 30, 2025, at Villa Ciani.