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Angel Pelissari headshot
2026 Senior Exhibition Artists 2026 Senior Exhibition Artists: Angel Pelissari
Angel Pelissari

Art + Design BFA: Photography

Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø Angel Pelissari

Angel Pelissari is a photographer based in southern Massachusetts. A first-generation American and college student, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the Âé¶¹¹ÙÍø in May 2026. Angel’s work explores multiple themes including faith, poetic interpretation, and cultural perspective. She strives to provide viewers with an understanding of the topic at hand, forming a connection that encourages personal engagement.

Outside of the time she spends photographing, she indulges in her long-time passion for playing instruments, mainly drums and acoustic guitar. In her time at Âé¶¹¹ÙÍøD, Angel has gained international experience through studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and expanded her leadership skills, having completed two years as an Orientation Leader, along with having uplifted Portuguese-speaking cultures through her position as social media chair for the Lusophone Student Union.

Statement

This body of work is a commemorative piece that recognizes the identities of first-generation Americans, along with individuals who have emigrated to the United States. It is inspired from my own background as a first-generation American raised in a Brazilian household. This part of my life is something that has always felt important to who I am because while being raised in a country my family emigrated to, it never meant disregarding the country my family calls home. Instead, I have always felt a sense of connection and pride in getting to hold my culture close.

As a result of my experience, I have had a lasting appreciation for understanding those who also share a similar perspective, but through the lens shaped by their own cultures. Commemorate is driven by my desire to provide a space for representations, where various identities and cultures are acknowledged in a celebratory light. Now is a time like no other, I believe, to actively and resiliently amplify the personal expressions of our cultural identities.

I chose to showcase this commemoration through a physical photo book that features black and white portraits. Each spread in the book consists of a portrait paired with a personalized text, which was shaped by conversations reflecting on what each person’s identity means to them. Overall, my piece is meant to serve as a bridge in creating visibility for the resilience within first-generation Americans and immigrant individuals, along with sharing how that can be shaped through diverse upbringings.

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