Saudade Down Under, 2024

Saudade Down Under, 2024 is a still life painting that portrays native fruits from Brazil, the artist’s hometown, and Australia her current home, with her own imaginary fruits. The work explores Rafaela’s experience of living abroad, while she finds home in this new country, there is always part of her that is nostalgic for her origins. This duality places the artist in a unique space between her roots and her present, embodying both places simultaneously. Combining the familiar and the imaginary to create a unique narrative about the immigrant experience, this artwork is a vibrant exploration of identity, belonging, and the complexity of cultural assimilation. The artwork aims to foster a sense of connection and understanding within diverse communities. The relatable themes of identity and belonging resonate with many who have experienced cultural transitions.

Rafaela Mori (she/her) is a Brazilian visual artist based in Sydney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts and Design from the Australian Catholic University, completed in 2023. Throughout her academic career, she has been recognised for her exceptional performance, receiving the Faculty Commendation for her Bachelor’s degree achievements in 2022 and 2023, and being honoured in 2023 with the NAVA Ignition Award for Professional Practice, recognising her dedication and contribution to the field.