The practice of Una Szeemann (*1975 in Locarno, Switzerland) is based on research within the realms of anthropology, psychoanalysis, including hypnosis, and biology. In her predominantly installative œuvre, Szeemann uses dead organic matter such as leather, hair, plaster, copper, bronze, bones, rope, and dried plants. Oftentimes, her  large-scale objects dangle from heavy metal chains into the exhibition space which grants them with an almost persona like aura, especially when she uses hair from horse tails.

Through the various materials Una Szeemann strives to bring forth the invisible that doesn’t exist any longer but has left traces in the present. Like an alchemist, Szeemann tries to materialize these traces of bodies, thoughts, and the unconscious.

In poetic ways that bear an intriguing closeness to modern day witchcraft, she attempts to preserve what otherwise would quickly sink into oblivion and features the transference of bodies and natural materials into different oftentimes intangible states. The dead cow skin placed on top of a curved metal spine represents the body that once inhabited it.

Una Szeemann is a member of the Federal Art Commission and part of the Jury of the Swiss Art Awards held during Art Basel. She is on the Board of Cabaret Voltaire (Zurich) and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Museum im Lagerhaus (St.-Gallen). In 2016, Szeemann was the only Swiss artist represented at Manifesta 11. View Solo and Group Exhibition in Curriculum Vitae.