COLLETTO BIANCO

COLLETTO BIANCO is an immersive exploration of heritage, identity, and faith through the lens of Joel Martorana.

Drawing inspiration from the Sicilian Catholic traditions of his grandparents and the unique altars of Poggioreale—a small Sicilian town that commemorates St. Joseph’s Day with intricate displays—Martorana invites audiences into a symbolic narrative that merges cultural heritage with contemporary expression. 

This exhibition navigates themes of guilt, redemption, and the integration of self, embodied by the enigmatic Colletto character.

JOEL MARTORANA

Colletto Bianco is a deeply personal project, one that has allowed me to dive into my roots and explore what it means to be both connected to and distant from my Sicilian heritage.

The St Joseph altars of Poggioreale, in Sicily—a tradition my grandparents brought to Australia—have always fascinated me. They’re more than just a symbol of faith; they’re a reminder of community, sacrifice, and resilience. 

Through this exhibition, I reimagine the altars and the stories they hold, blending them with my own narratives of navigating guilt, redemption, and identity. It is when we embrace our ‘whole self’, even our darkness, that we experience true growth. From this place, the Colletto character emerged as an alter ego, allowing me to explore in an authentic and performative way. 

The collection of works are inspired by ceramic coil or layering techniques across mediums - and reflected in the layered paintings (painted with palette knives). This ‘layering’ explores the ‘layers’, ‘masks’ and ‘characters’ (even saints) that we all draw inspiration from to connect to our inner truths. 

This collection is an invitation for all to reflect on our own identities and how our cultural and spiritual histories shape us. It’s a celebration of imperfection, of the beauty in navigating who we are and where we’re going. This journey is ongoing, for me Colletto Bianco marks a significant chapter in my story.