ITALIAN AMERICAN IDENTITY

<p> <img alt="Allegrettacover-1458503528" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/293449/AllegrettaCover-1458503528.jpg"></p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p> <p> <strong><u>AM I ITALIAN? AM I AMERICAN?</u></strong></p> <p>  </p> <p> I was born in New York to an American mother. My father is from Italy. I have lived for the last 11 years in Belgium. Who am I? On paper, I am Italian-American. Although I grew up in America, I do not feel American. And - with all respect - I am certainly not Belgian. I am Italian? While I feel most associated with this nationality, I have never lived in Italy. How can I 'be' Italian when I do not even know the 'being' of the country itself? Who am I in Italy?</p> <p>  </p> <p> These are the questions that I want to explore while at the artist residency Fusion Air in Torino, Italy during the summer. This exploration of country and self will be interpreted in my primary medium: mosaic. This medium (with its origins in Italy) is not a coincidence, but a conscience choice I took in 2008 when I started working with glass and marble.</p> <p>  </p> <p> The result of this exploration will be an exhibition of my work at the gallery Fusion Art. </p> <p>  </p> <p> An overview of my current work can be found on my website: <a href="http://www.allegrettamosaico.com" target="_blank">www.allegrettamosaico.com</a></p> <p>  </p> <p> VIDEO:</p> <p> <a href="http://www.brusselnieuws.be/en/video/tvbrussel/mosaic-artist-aaf-its-important-wear-eye-protection-because-glass-tends-fly" target="_blank">What is mosaic in relation to the Accessible Art Fair?</a></p> <p> <img alt="Videoallegretta-1458037821" src="https://d3v4jsc54141g1.cloudfront.net/uploads/project_image/image/290803/VideoAllegretta-1458037821.jpg"></p> <p>  </p> <p>  </p>