Patricia Rullo

Country where you live:

United Kingdom

City where you live:

london

Website:

https://patriciarullo.com/

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rullo.patricia/?hl=en

Statement :

My work is rooted in the intersection of psychology, art, and lived experience. With a background in clinical psychology and art therapy, I use sculpture and installation to translate the invisible symptoms of multiple sclerosis into tangible, visual forms. Each piece emerges from my own diagnosis, transforming personal challenges into cathartic and universal narratives that invite empathy, dialogue, and awareness.

I often work with plaster, fabric, and found objects, creating monochromatic forms that reflect the stark realities of illness, while occasionally integrating colour as a symbol of strength, vitality, and the support I draw from others. My practice is not only about representing pain or limitation but also about revealing resilience and the possibility of renewal.

Through my art, I hope to bridge personal vulnerability with collective understanding, sparking conversations about health, identity, and the unseen struggles many people endure. Ultimately, my goal is to use creativity as a means of connection, empowerment, and change.

Quote:

In adversity, I discovered not my limits, but the strength I never knew I carried.

Nerve Pulling Pain

This piece is deeply personal to me. I created the background with crackle paste to embody fragility, each fracture resembling the vulnerability of the body and mind. The rope is real, one I cut with a knife to expose its tangled, intricate strands. For me, these strands represent nerves, raw and exposed, echoing the nerve-pulling pain I feel in my left leg as a result of multiple sclerosis. By transforming this physical rope into a metaphor, I try to make visible an invisible symptom, inviting others to glimpse the hidden struggles that shape, not only my daily life, but also other people's living with this condition.

Strength

This artwork features a sculptural piece made from plastered fabric and a polyester ball, painted with a glossy red pouring acrylic paint. The plaster is shaped into dynamic, draped folds that create a sense of movement and texture. The folds converge towards the top of the sculpture, cradling the red polyester ball in a delicate balance. The red ball serves as a focal point, standing out vividly against the muted, white tones of the plaster, symbolising a core of strength and vitality. The flowing, layered plaster represents the turbulence and experiences associated with living with multiple sclerosis, while the red ball reflects the energy, courage, and strength that the artist has drawn from those who have supported her. The contrast between the smooth, bold surface of the ball and the textured, fabric-like appearance of the plaster creates a compelling visual metaphor for resilience and the unwavering support of others in challenging times.

Bio:

Patricia Rullo is a multidisciplinary artist and advocate with a diverse background in clinical psychology and education. Originally from Turin, Italy, Patricia holds a degree in Clinical Psychology, specialising in art therapy. Her academic journey gave her a deep understanding of the intersection between psychology, creativity, and healing.

After relocating to London, Patricia pursued her passion for education and became a primary school teacher. Her experience in the classroom further fuelled her interest in the therapeutic potential of art and creative expression. She witnessed the transformative power of artistic activities in nurturing emotional well-being and fostering self-expression among her students.

However, Patricia's career path took an unexpected turn when she received a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Faced with the challenges of managing a chronic health condition, Patricia made the difficult decision to step back from her full-time teaching role, as the demands of the job were exacerbating her symptoms and causing undue stress.

Drawing upon her background in psychology and education, she found solace and empowerment in the creative process, using art as a means of self-expression, healing, and advocacy.

Patricia's artistic vision is grounded in the belief that art has the power to transcend barriers, spark dialogue, and inspire social change. Her dedication to raising awareness about MS and advocating for the well-being of those affected by the condition drives her work as an artist.