2026 Senior Exhibition Artists 2026 Senior Exhibition Artists: Angel Pelissari

About 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 University of Massachusetts Dartmouth 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 UMassD, 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.

@angles.byangel

Angel Pelissari

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