Ateliers Orsini

* Peregrinations: From Late Middle English (peregrinacioun) and from Middle French (peregrinacion). 
Journey; pilgrimage; travel abroad for an extended period of time or over a great distance; (figuratively) human journey through life.

Artist Statement:

Rita Orsini returns to the Watch House gallery in Balmain to present her solo exhibition Peregrinations and the unveiling of a captivating immersive installation of art, light and sound. This major exhibition extends over the 5 spaces of the gallery and encapsulates the breadth of her art practice.
On 14 and 21 July, join a free poetry-reading session and an experimental painting workshop.

Rita Orsini is a French award-winning artist based in Sydney’s Inner West working across paintings, object design, sound installation, and jewellery. In 2009, she embarked on a journey to push the boundaries of traditional painting, intertwining art, lighting and design to create her signature illuminated canvases, the Orsini Light. Today, she elevates her practice to a new level with her latest immersive art, light and sound installation, titled Into the Wood.

Peregrinations: a time to reflect on her artistic journey



Peregrinations serves as a moment of reflection on Orsini’s artistic journey. The Watch House gallery holds a special significance as it was there, 26 years ago, that she held her first exhibition when she arrived from France. Now, after numerous exhibitions and accolades, Orsini’s works feature in galleries in NSW and in private collections across Europe and Australia. Today she presents an extensive exhibition showcasing the scale and depth of her work crafted steadily and with unwavering passion over the years. This exhibition also heralds the end of her vibrant Osso Buco resin range, signalling a new chapter in her artistic endeavours. Alongside her latest Osso Buco pieces feature her iconic Orsini Lights, the OMA silver jewellery, paintings on paper and canvas, art t-shirts and scarves printed to her designs, cards, and the immersive installation of art, light and sound, Into the Wood.

Into the Wood

The choice to return to this gallery is not only symbolic but pragmatic. Due to the unique configuration and setting of the space, within the dimly lit confines of the old gaol's intimate cell, visitors can immerse themselves in the light and sound spectacle of Into the Wood. Stepping through the curtained veil into semi-darkness, visitors are enveloped by a forest of tree trunk paintings, each illuminated sequentially within their frames to a meticulously captured soundscape of original music, church bells and birdsong. 

“Inspired by the fascinating intricacies and patterns of tree barks, I sought to recreate the multisensory experience of standing before a majestic tree, surrounded by sounds that evoke cherished landscapes and memories", Orsini explains. 

This project has been years in the making. "This project is dear to my heart and it took several years to mature and blossom. The trees depicted hold a special significance. They are from my hometown in France, my father-in-law's garden in Tasmania, or beautiful landscapes in Europe and Australia. These paintings were done from memory, photographs or from marks I carefully garnered through bark rubbings,” Orsini shares. 


“I recorded the accompanying sounds as I was standing by these trees, or during tranquil walks through forests and bushlands”, Orsini added. The sounds were then masterfully compiled and mixed by Stretch Fowler who intertwined them seamlessly with his own compositions to form the ethereal soundtrack of Into the Wood.


The tree trunk paintings are created following the Orsini Light concept. The painted canvases are framed in specially designed handmade wooden boxes and illuminated from within, using low-energy LED lights. “I start my paintings on a flat canvas using acrylic paints, and to achieve the desired luminous effect, I superimpose the layers of paint leaving gaps in the colour where I want the light to go through. These paintings come to life when the box’s light is turned on”, Orsini explains.

Public Program

In conjunction with the exhibition, Rita Orsini has curated a public program, free and open to all, offering the opportunity to delve deeper into the multisensory experience.

On Bastille Day (Sunday 14 July, 2-4pm), enjoy a poetry-reading session in English and in French. You are invited as a guest or a reader. If you wish to participate, please register through this link, or simply put your handup on the day. On Sunday 21 July (10.30-11.30am), join a one-hour experimental painting workshop (free of charge, materials included, beginners welcome). Register your interest here.

For more images, head to this page or contact me