ROSSANNE PELLEGRINO

ARTIST BIO

Rossanne Pellegrino is an Australian artist based in St. Leonards-on-Sea (UK).
Pellegrino studied Visual Communications (Photography) at the University of Arts (South Australia) as part of an International Studies degree and Diploma of Language at Flinders University (1998 - 2004).

With found imagery as her basis, Pellegrino uses collage to intervene and change the images’ original meaning. Materials such as textiles, embroidery, household items, children’s toys and handmade clay replicas of found objects appear in her work. Pellegrino uses colour palettes from the technicoloured hues and sherbet tones of old movies remembered from her childhood.
Pellegrino has exhibited in the UK, Australia and Europe (Royal Academy of Arts, Tate, Royal College of Art and more). The artist’s work has appeared in various publications including the RA Summer Exhibition catalogue and the Tate Staff Biennale catalogue (front cover).

Pellegrino’s works are in private collections in the UK, North America and Australia.


ARTIST STATEMENT

In my work, I explore themes of memory, place and identity. All through the lens of a female who grew up in 1980s Australia, raised with a mix of cultures – my parents’ families immigrated to Australia from Scotland and Italy - and who is now a mother to one daughter.

Growing up, storytelling and humour were important in my family. As was collecting memories like family photographs and keepsakes. I remember the women in my family who made; sewing, knitting and embroidering. This all trickled down and found its way into my artwork.

With found imagery as my basis, I use collage on paper and textiles, and artistic skills traditionally considered “women’s work” to create new possibilities for the images' subjects. Often with women as the focus of my found imagery, I have made commentary on tradition, motherhood and on my observations on the changing - or unchanging - views of women's roles in society.