Jessie DiBlasi is a photographic artist, writer and curator based in Naarm/Melbourne, Australia that creates work that is deeply engrained in social documentary, multicultural history, tradition and collaborations that seek to present and preserve them. Since publishing Nonna to Nana in 2014, celebrating the traditions, histories, and recipes of a fast-disappearing generation of matriarchs, she has been invited to present, document and exhibit nationally and internationally as she continues to create long-form projects.
Jessie lives and works on the unceded traditional lands of the Wurundjeri people and respectfully acknowledges elders past, present and emerging.
Contact
jessie<at>jessiediblasi.com
Education
Graduate Diploma in Adult + Vocational Education, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, NSW, 2018
Diploma of Photo Imaging, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 2011
Bachelor of Applied Science (Business Management), RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, 2002
Books + Publications
United: Issue 1, Work Show Grow, London, UK, 2021
Loud and Luminous, Momento Pro, Sydney, NSW 2019
Compendium: RMIT University, – School of Media and Communication, Melbourne, VIC, 2016
Nonna to Nana – Stories of Food and Family, Self-Published, Melbourne, VIC, 2014
Solo Exhibitions
Nonna to Nana – Stories of Food and Family, VU MetroWest, Footscray, VIC, 2018
Nonna to Nana – Stories of Food and Family, 10X8 Gallery/Head On Photo Festival, Chippendale NSW, 2014
Selected Group Exhibitions
Despatch Exhibition, New Forest, UK, 2022
Urban Eats, Counihan Gallery, Brunswick, VIC 2021
The 66th Blake Prize, Casula Powerhouse, Casula NSW, 2021
Loud and Luminous, Head On, Sydney, NSW, 2019
Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women, Melbourne, VIC, 2017
MAMA Art Foundation National Photography Prize, Albury, NSW, 2016
Head On Awards, Museum of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2016
Victory!, Gaffa Gallery, Sydney NSW, 2016
The Blake Prize – Directors Cut, Casula Powerhouse, Casula NSW, 2016
Iris Award, Perth Centre for Photography, Northbridge WA, 2016
Finding Your Vision Exhibition, Customs House, Sydney NSW, 2013
Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year, Mall Galleries, London, UK, 2013
CCP Kodak Salon, Centre for Contemporary Photography, Fitzroy, VIC, 2013
23rd Muswellbrook Photographic Award Exhibition, Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre, NSW, 2012
Alison’s Daughters, newNorth Gallery, Fairfield, VIC, 2011
Selected Curatorial Projects
Urban Eats, Counihan Gallery, Brunswick, VIC 2021
Write it! Shoot it! Show it!, RMIT University, VIC, 2017-2020
RMIT Diploma of Photography + Photo Imaging Exhibition + Catalogue, RMIT University, VIC, 2014-2020
RMIT Graduate in Residence Program, RMIT University, VIC, 2013-2016
Residencies + Grants
Police Point Artist in Residence Program, Portsea, VIC, 2022
Making Space Program - Residency, Siteworks, Merri-Bek, VIC, 2022
Jungle Club - Residency, Magnetic Island, QLD, 2021-2022
Despatch - Residency (virtual participant), Brockenhurst, Hampshire, UK, 2021
VU MetroWest Exhibition Grant, VIC, 2017
Awards + Honours
The 66th Blake Prize - Finalist, 2021
RMIT University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Learning and Teaching: Innovation in Vocational Education - Winner, 2019
RMIT University Vice Chancellor’s Award for Distinguished Teaching - Commendation, 2019
Moran Contemporary Photographic Prize - Semi Finalist, 2018
Maggie Diaz Photography Prize for Women - Finalist, 2017
MAMA Art Foundation National Photography Prize - Finalist, 2016
Head On Awards (Mobile Photography Category) - Finalist, 2016
The Blake Prize - Director’s Cut, 2016
Momento Pro – Australian Photo Book Of The Year Award (Nonna to Nana) - Finalist, 2015
Iris Award, Perth Centre for Photography - Finalist, 2013
Pink Lady Food Photographer of the Year, Food for celebration - Winner, 2013
Capture Magazine, The Annual - Emerging Photographers, selected category, 2012
23rd Muswellbrook Photographic Award - Finalist, 2012
As Modern As Tomorrow Photography Competition, State Library Victoria/Broadsheet - 3rd Place, 2011
Selected Artist Lectures
Counihan Gallery
National Institute of Design (NID), Ahmedabad, India
Victoria University MetroWest
Immigration Museum, Melbourne
Melbourne Museum
RMIT University
Readings Carlton
Melbourne Food + Wine Festival
Billy Blue College of Design, Melbourne
National Gallery of Victoria
Collections
State Library of Victoria
Private art collections in Australia and overseas