Michael Trozzolo explores themes of pleasure, desire, and consumerism with an interdisciplinary approach, using photography, film, painting, drawing, sculpture, and new media art. Trained at OCAD University, Trozzolo combines bold colours and iconic symbols to create a fantastical and figurative world, raising questions about political, social, and cultural norms while drawing inspiration from both Western and Eastern cultural references.

Trozzolo’s experiences living in Toronto, Basel, and Shanghai have influenced his perspective on our constructed lives, leading us to fulfil our desires through consumption. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy on desire, he explores its role as the root of human suffering in a society perpetually driven to fulfil its desires. Despite dealing with such weighty themes, Trozzolo infuses his work with undeniable humour that challenges the viewer to contemplate the notion of value.

As the recipient of the George A. Reid Award and the Cylla Von Tiedman Photography Award, Trozzolo has showcased his work in numerous solo and group exhibitions worldwide, including Toronto, Montréal, Rome, Shanghai, Zürich, and New York. He was a participant in Nuit Blanche, Contact Photography Festival, Azores Fringe Festival, and the Toronto Urban Film Festival.

Michael is currently based in Basel, Switzerland.