Painting becomes a bridge between nations, a universal language that tells stories of lands and people. This is the heart of the exhibition “BETWEEN ITALY AND SWITZERLAND – border painting”, dedicated to the famous painter Carlo Bossone (1904-1991), which will open on 18 September in Domodossola. The event is part of the rich program of celebrations for the 120th anniversary of his birth and highlights the artist’s deep bond with the Swiss territories, transforming his work into a symbol of the cross-border relations that have always characterized these valleys.

The exhibition, set up at the Atelier Carlo Bossone in Corso Moneta 4, presents a selection of works created by the master in the 60s and 70s during his frequent stays in nearby Switzerland. Bossone, originally from the Ossola Valley, found an extraordinary source of inspiration in the neighboring Val Vaira, in the Canton of Valais. Its Swiss landscapes, so similar to the beloved Ossola mountains, tell a story of cultural and naturalistic continuity that crosses political borders.

This bond was not only artistic, but represented an echo of the experience of many Piedmontese who, like Bossone, looked at Switzerland not as a foreign land, but as a natural extension of their world, a place of work, exchange and life. His painting speaks to us of an emigration that is not only economic, but also cultural and sentimental, where art becomes the means to explore and celebrate a shared identity.

Born in Savona in 1904 but deeply linked to Ossola, Carlo Bossone was a leading figure in twentieth-century Piedmontese Impressionist painting. Self-taught, he was able to refine his technique by frequenting masters such as Cesare Ferro and Giovanni Guarlotti. Although nicknamed “the painter of the Rosa” for his devotion to Monte Rosa, his artistic mission led him to travel and paint tirelessly, from Argentina to Trentino, always maintaining a visceral bond with his Ossola and Valais roots. His choice of a shy and reserved lifestyle, far from worldliness, further strengthened his authentic bond with the landscapes and communities he portrayed.

This exhibition is not only a tribute to a great artist, but also an invitation to reflect on the meaning of “border”. In Bossone’s canvases, the Alps do not divide but unite, becoming the common heritage of Italians and Swiss. It is a precious opportunity to rediscover, through the beauty of art, the deep roots that bind our mountain communities.

 

Useful information about the exhibition:

• Title: BETWEEN ITALY AND SWITZERLAND – border painting

  Where: Atelier Carlo Bossone, Corso Moneta 4, Domodossola

  When: From September 18, 2025 to January 18, 2026

• Opening hours:

  • Monday and Wednesday: 17:00 – 18:30

  • Friday and Saturday: 10:30 – 12:30

 

Visits by reservation: It is possible to organize visits for groups, schools and associations by contacting the 3477109233 number or writing to comitatobossone2021@gmail.com.