ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Bruna Martini's 'Roots/Radici' Uncovers a Forgotten Migrant Ancestor

publication · 2026-04-27

Bruna Martini returns with a new graphic memoir, 'Roots/Radici', published by BeccoGiallo. The book investigates the life of Gracco Cornelio Rondalli, an ancestor who emigrated from Lecco, Italy, to Argentina in 1915. Martini discovered his existence through a will that mentioned an unknown fifth child. Her research spanned archives, consulates, and travel to Argentina to meet descendants. The work blends photos, letters, documents, and drawings to reconstruct a story of migration and identity, framed as both personal and universal for the Italian diaspora.

Key facts

  • Bruna Martini published 'Roots/Radici' with BeccoGiallo.
  • The book is a graphic memoir about Gracco Cornelio Rondalli.
  • Rondalli emigrated from Lecco, Italy, to Argentina in 1915.
  • Martini discovered Rondalli through a will mentioning an unknown fifth child.
  • She conducted research in archives, consulates, and traveled to Argentina.
  • The book combines photos, letters, documents, and drawings.
  • It explores themes of migration, cultural contamination, and identity.
  • Martini's previous work is 'Patria. Crescere in tempo di guerra'.

Entities

Artists

  • Bruna Martini

Institutions

  • BeccoGiallo

Locations

  • Lecco
  • Italy
  • Argentina
  • South America

Sources