The large room is full of works by an impressively prolific artist, whose first exhibition was fifty years ago, in 1973.

Immediately upon entry it’s clear that Rosi has mastered more than one discipline, with mysterious sculptures in the centre of the room encircled by stunning paintings.

Judging from her work alone, it might be easy to assume Rosi is an introvert.

Her work speaks of pain, solitude and the loneliness that can follow.

She is many things, but she is not an introvert.

“My grandchildren, they don’t like it when I talk too much,” the artist said, laughing.

Rosi’s depiction of Perugia

Surrounded by friends and family, Rosi was simultaneously grateful for those in attendance and yearning for those no longer with us, like her son Iggy who passed away at age 61.

“It was wonderful [to have my family and friends at the event],” she said.

“But somebody else should be here, and he did not come. My son … He was an artist, too. Beautiful.”

Rosi’s life story is epic, full of adventure, risk and loss.

She’s harnessed her suffering and channelled it into her work.

Like many great artists, she gives it credit.

“Suffering made me do things,” she explained, when asked about her inspiration.

There’s a story behind every piece, each mentally tucked away as part of her repertoire, waiting to be called upon at events such as these.

“Everything in my work has meaning.”

“Joy, suffering, meaning.”

Rosi is reluctant to give advice to younger artists, believing they need to discover for themselves where their own inspiration comes from.

“Nobody taught me, [an artist] doesn’t need someone telling them what to do,” she said.

“I paint when I get a feeling.”

For Rosi, it’s as simple as that.

For her granddaughter, Alice, Rosi’s art has always been a source of comfort.

“While I feel proud of her and blown away by her talent, her work and her art … it feels like home,” she said.

“All her pieces, they’re more than possessions or material objects … they’re something I feel like I have a relationship with.”

Over time, Alice’s perception of her nonna has evolved.

“Growing up I always thought she was so serious,” Alice explained.

“But she has this unexpected depth and this wacky, silly nature that’s just adorable.”

According to Alice, her nonna loves connecting with new people.

“She is that person that will stop you on the street and become your friend.”

“[She’ll chat with] literally anybody. Literally everybody.”

Rina Rosi and family

At 90 years of age, the artist from Assisi is looking to sell her work and donate half of the money to the Sacred Heart Church in Sandringham, which does charity works.

“In the world you have to help each other,” Rosi said.

The other half, as stated in the exhibition’s pamphlet, will be given to her grandchildren.

With their half of the money, they intend to buy Rosi a ticket to Italy so she can visit her only remaining sister.

Novanta has been extended and will now be at the 26 Advantage Gallery until April 13.