Born 1931 in Naples, Italy

Lives and works in Rome, Italy

Isabella Ducrot’s work is rooted in a close observation of everyday life, exploring how seemingly simple forms and images can hold layers of memory and meaning. Through drawing, painting, and writing, she creates intimate works that reflect on time, perception, and the traces of lived experience.

In recent years, Ducrot has gained remarkable international recognition, after having been introduced to the international art scene at the age of 88. In December 2026, Museo Madre, Naples, will devote a major retrospective to Ducrot, curated by Adam Weinberg, which will subsequently travel to the Astrup Fearnley Museum, Oslo, and MoMA PS1, New York, in 2027–28.

Her practice has been the subject of significant institutional presentations, including the Museo della Civiltà, Rome; Espoo Museum of Modern Art; Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Naples; Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome; and MAXXI a Taormina. Among her earlier milestones was Ducrot’s participation in the Venice Biennale in 1993 and 2011. In 2022, her large-scale installation Omaggio a Mishima (Homage to Mishima) was presented in the Unlimited sector of Art Basel.

The year 2024 marked an important chapter for Ducrot in France, with a comprehensive solo exhibition at Le Consortium Museum, Dijon, and a collaboration with Dior, for which she created the monumental scenography for its Spring Haute Couture show.

Ducrot’s work is held in prominent collections, including the Astrup Fearnley Museum, Oslo; Cranford Collection, London; Espoo Museum of Modern Art; Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome; Le Consortium Museum, Dijon; MAMCO, Geneva; MAXXI Museo, Rome; and Munchmuseet, Oslo, among others.

She is also a dedicated author and has published numerous books, including La Matassa primordiale (2026); Animali Recenti (2025); Stoffe (2022); La vita femminile (2021); La stoffa a quadri (2019); Suonno. Il sonno e il sogno nella canzone napoletana (2012); Fallaste Corazón (2012); Pensiero religioso ed elettricità (2011); La Matassa Primordale (2008); and Bianca di Pelle (1995).