Artist Spotlight: Matteo Botta

Matteo Botta’s photography took an unexpected turn a few years ago. An 18-year-old landscape and travel photographer from Lugano, Switzerland, he has been taking photos since early childhood, but he discovered a different approach in his early teens; “I was looking for a change,” he said, “and when I got my drone, that change came.”

Since then, photography has become part of his everyday life. His work focuses primarily on landscapes, but his compositions intend to show something deeper about place and identity. In his recent series, he explores contrasts—between seasons, perspectives, and light—but most importantly between people and environment. Switzerland’s relationship with its mountainous terrain is crucial to that investigation. Rather than presenting empty landscapes, Matteo consistently captures human elements within his images, emphasizing a connection between person and land.

Botta’s work is also personal, a reflection on the years he’s spent travelling throughout Switzerland. “They’re my way of saying thank you to my homeland,” he said. 

While his subject matter is rooted in observation, Matteo’s process is shaped by precision. He describes himself as a perfectionist, at times abandoning entire projects over small details. Simultaneously, he constantly develops new ideas and experiments with different ways of capturing familiar scenes. While editing is important to his final compositions, he keeps clear boundaries, avoiding AI usage and rarely removing elements from his images, working within reality.

Looking ahead, Matteo seeks to improve both his work and his perspective. With upcoming projects planned across Switzerland, Spain, and potentially Sri Lanka, he hopes to continue exploring new environments while refining his current aesthetic vocabulary.

He recommends that other young artists, “think less and act more,” an action-based mindset that has shaped his own approach.