Nicoletta Ceccoli’s paintings are the visual counterparts of fairy tales and nursery rhymes: Beautiful, whimsical, and wondrous stories set in a world where things are more dangerous and gruesome than they initially seem.
When we are young children, the only parts of fairy tales we notice are the princes, princesses, magical creatures, and incredible adventures. But, once we grew up, we became aware that those tales revolve around horrific events that were precipitated by vicious people who were obsessed about harming the protagonists who – usually – never did anything to invite such brutality.
Likewise, when we look at Nicoletta’s paintings, the first things we notice are the innocent doll-like protagonists and delicate color palette. But, when we take a closer look at the things that are surrounding the protagonists and the things that are happening to them, we realize that the paintings have darker and more menacing undertones.