Cécilia Batista is a Zurich-based painter whose work is driven by questions rather than narratives. What remains when expectations collapse? How do relationships shape us? How do memories and emotions merge into an image?
She studied Scientific Illustration at Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), where she developed a precise practice of observation. Every painting begins with a charcoal drawing, grounding each work in careful observation. Many of these drawings are made from life models. As they develop in oil, observation gradually loses its authority. Each painting arrives somewhere that could not have been anticipated at the outset.
Illustration
Alongside her painting practice, she works in editorial illustration, publishing and animation. She has collaborated with publications and organisations including Positive Life Magazine, PS Zeitung, AIDS-Hilfe Schweiz and the Secretariat for Migration (SEM) , and has worked on animated short films as a character designer, storyboard artist and key animator. Drawing remains the common thread throughout her practice, serving as a tool for observation, research and experimentation.
Life Drawing
She regularly hosts life drawing sessions in Zurich, creating a space for shared practice and artistic exchange.
Contact
cecilia@ceciliabatista.ch
Exhibitions
2026 | Group Exhibition — June, Visual Arts Studio Zurich (VASZ), Zurich
2026 | Group Exhibition — March, Visual Arts Studio Zurich (VASZ), Zurich
2025 | Solange wir erzählen (Bachelor Project), AIDS-Hilfe Schweiz, National Museum Zurich
2025 | Solange wir erzählen, Forming Diversity, Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), Zurich
2024 | Group Exhibition — Art Space Parat, Zurich
Art in Public Space
2024 | Rozhan, permanent mural, Swiss Federal Asylum Centre (BAZ), Zurich
Selected through the Creating Neighbourhood open call
Education
2025 | Bachelor of Arts in Scientific Illustration | ZHdK | Zürich
Grants
2025 | Graduate Award Nomination | ZHdK | Zürich