“My passion/obsession for photography started at an early age photographing anything and everything, trying to capture or hold on to the moment. The unexplainable substance that is constantly changing and evolving. I feel, I hear and see things, and through these forms create the image. I often refer to light, for within light there is form and substance.”
Bio
Caterina Pacialeo is a photographic artist based in Sydney, Australia. Her practice is rooted in creating elemental environmental portraits that explore the intricate relationships between people, place, and diversity. Her work invites deep reflection on perceptions of reality, the interplay between dreams and conformity, and the psychological frameworks that shape human experience.
Combining cerebral inquiry with social observation, Pacialeo's photography navigates the tensions between physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Her images present a dynamic interplay of representational conflict—between the natural world and constructed life, individual identity, and collective narrative—offering viewers both aesthetic engagement and intellectual provocation.
Caterina holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts (1989) and a Master of Art in Photo-media (2008), both from the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales. She brings a refined technical skillset and a commitment to quality and detail across all aspects of her work.
Her work has been exhibited widely in both solo and group exhibitions across Australia and the United States. Notable recognitions include being a Finalist in the Chelsea International Photography Competition (2024, 2008), with an Honourable Mention in 2015; Finalist in the Blake Art Prize (2011); Olive Cotton Award (2008); and the Head On Photo Award (2006). International exhibitions include ROLO-DEX: Australian Artists from Sydney in Tokyo, Japan (2018), and at The Centre for Fine Art Photography, Colorado, USA (2015, 2013).
In addition to her practice, Caterina has shared her expertise through teaching positions at the National Art School, UNSW College of Art & Design, and currently teaches at TAFE NSW. She also offers workshops and private tuition.
CV
To download Caterina's CV in PDF format click here.
CATERINA PACIALEO
Born in Sydney, Australia
Lives and works in Sydney, Australia | Gadigal of the Eora Nation
EDUCATION
2008 Masters of Fine Art School of Photomedia, College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales
1989 Bachelor of Arts in Visual Arts Major in photography, minor in Film. College of Fine Arts University of New South Wales Sydney
SOLO EXHIBITIONS
2016 Elements, The Shop Gallery, Glebe, Sydney Australia
1996 The Bold & the Beautiful, Lizard Lounge Art space, Sydney Australia
1995 WOMAN, Lizard, Lounge Art space, Sydney Australia
SELECTED GROUP EXIBITIONS
2024 5th Chelsea International Photography Competition, Agora Gallery, New York USA
2022 TRUANT, Stirrup gallery Addison Road, Marrickville, Sydney, Australia
2018 Rolo-Dex Sydney Tokyo, Tokoyo
2016 An ART tribute to David Bowie, LOSTSpace Gallery, Taylor Square, Sydney, Australia
2015 Chelsea International Fine Arts Award, Honourable mention, Agora Gallery, New York, USA
2015 H20 (Water), The Center for Fine Art Photography, Colorado, USA
2013 Are we half-way there yet? ESP Gallery, Sydney
2013 Box Squared, The Center for Fine Art Photography, Colorado, USA
2011 Blake Prize, Director’s Cut 2011
2010 4A Gallery Annual Members Show 2010, Contemporary Asian Art, Sydney
2008 The Chelsea 23rd International Fine Art Exhibition, Agora Gallery, New York, USA
2008 Finalist, Olive Cotton Award, Tweed River Art Gallery, Murwillumbah
2007 COFA ANNUAL. College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales
2007 LIQUID, Kudos Gallery, Paddington
2007 Domestic Love Kudos Gallery, Paddington, Sydney
2006 Self Raising-COFA SA Annual Emerging Artist and Designer Award’, Kudos Gallery, Paddington, Sydney
2006 Finalist Olive Cotton Award, Tweed River Art Gallery, Murwillumbah
2006 Finalist ‘Head On’ alternative portraits, The Australian Photographer’s gallery, Balmain, Sydney
2006 Intobeing, College of Fine Arts, Exhibition performance Space, University of New South Wales
2005 ‘Level 13’ College of Fine Arts, Exhibition Performance Space, University of New South Wales
1997 Jazz Musician 1996: Museum of Contemporary Art (Amex Foyer), Sydney Australia, Jazz Musician
1996 Cheesecake Lizard Lounge Art space, Sydney Australia
1995 Erotica TAP Gallery, Sydney Australia
1995 Professional Polaroid – BLACK & WHITE Magazine – Exhibition Finalist
1994 Taylor Square Tap Gallery, Sydney Australia
1994 Portraits Tap Gallery, Sydney Australia
1989 Telecom Art Scholarship Award, College of Fine Arts, Sydney Australia
1989 Arthouse, Sydney Australia
1989 Beyond Detail, Max’s Gallery Sydney Australia
PERMANENT PUBLIC & PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
2013 Permanent collection, The Center for Fine Art Photography, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
PUBLICATIONS
2016 Art Edit Magazine
1995 (not only) BLUE Magazine Issue 10– “Woman Series”, Girlfriends
1996 (not only) BLUE Magazine Issue 12– “Bold & The Beautiful”, Real People
RESIDENCIES
2020 Chateux Orquevaux, France (Postponed due to COVID )
GRANTS | PRIZES | SCHOLARSHIPS
2015 Chelsea International Fine Arts Award, Honourable mention, Agora Gallery, New York, USA.
2008 Finalist _Olive Cotton Award, Tweed River Art Gallery, Murwillumbah.23rd
2006 Finalist Olive Cotton Award, Tweed River Art Gallery, Murwillumbah.
2006 Finalist ‘Head On’ alternative portraits, The Australian Photographer’s gallery, Balmain, Sydney
1996 Pat Corrigan Artist Grant.
To download Caterina's CV in PDF format click here.