Fabiano Zanchi,
Italy
Fabiano Zanchi is an Italian glass artist whose practice bridges the centuries-old traditions of Murano glassmaking and contemporary sculptural expression. Born into a family of Venetian glassmakers, he began his apprenticeship at the age of fourteen under his father, Mauro Zanchi, mastering the intricate techniques of traditional chandelier production. His subsequent experiences in Canada and China expanded his technical vocabulary and artistic perspective, leading him towards a more experimental approach to form, colour, and composition. Today, his practice encompasses sculptural objects, vessels, and large-scale decorative lighting installations, combining inherited craftsmanship with an evolving contemporary vision.
Curatorial Profile
Fabiano Zanchi's artistic practice bridges the inherited traditions of Venetian glassmaking and contemporary sculptural experimentation. Trained in the demanding discipline of Murano's historic glass workshops, he combines technical mastery with an intuitive approach to material, form, and colour.
His early training centred on the production of Ca' Rezzonico chandeliers, among the most elaborate expressions of Venetian decorative glassmaking. The precision and craftsmanship required by this tradition continue to inform his work, even as his practice has expanded towards independent sculptural objects and contemporary glass compositions.
A significant turning point came through his international experience, particularly five years spent working in China. Encountering alternative glassmaking methods challenged his reliance on conventional tools and encouraged a more spontaneous approach to the material. This openness to experimentation remains central to his artistic process.
Colour and pattern play a defining role in his sculptural language. Through the preparation, arrangement, and fusion of coloured glass canes, Zanchi develops intricate compositions that combine deliberate construction with improvisation. Rather than following rigid designs, he allows the interaction of colour and material to influence the emerging form.
Alongside his sculptural practice, Zanchi creates large-scale decorative lighting installations for architectural interiors, bringing traditional Murano techniques into contemporary spatial contexts. His commitment to passing on glassmaking knowledge further reflects his belief in craftsmanship as a living tradition, sustained through both preservation and innovation.
For Zanchi, the legacy of Murano is not a fixed aesthetic to be reproduced, but a foundation from which new artistic possibilities can emerge.
House of Glass Gallery
Artist Statement
Glass has been part of my life since childhood. Growing up in a family of Venetian glassmakers, I was surrounded by the colours, heat, and movement of the furnace. I began learning the craft from my father at the age of fourteen, developing my skills through the traditional techniques of Murano glassmaking.
My experiences outside Italy, particularly the years I spent working in China, profoundly changed the way I approach glass. I discovered that technical skill does not depend entirely on specialised tools, but on understanding the material and learning how to work with it intuitively. This experience gave me greater freedom and confidence in exploring new possibilities.
While my foundations lie in traditional Venetian chandeliers, my work has gradually evolved towards sculptures, vessels, and contemporary glass forms. I enjoy experimenting with colour, preparing and combining glass canes, and allowing patterns to emerge through the creative process. Sometimes I begin with a sketch; at other times, I prefer to improvise and let the material guide the outcome.
Preserving the traditions of Murano glassmaking is deeply important to me, but I also believe that these traditions must continue to evolve. Teaching and sharing my knowledge with future generations is an essential part of that vision. Through my work, I seek to bring together the craftsmanship I inherited, the experiences I have gained around the world, and my own approach to contemporary glass.
Fabiano Zanchi
Selected Works
Chandelier XXI Century Rezzonico
Swire Hotel Shanghai
