Artist: Sofia Grecco
Exhibition: Lucky Places for a Grave
Media: watercolor
Gallery: Dr. Maxin Merlino Gallery
Website: N/A
Instagram: @Sofiagrecco_art
Sofia Grecco is a senior in CSULB’s Bachelors of Fine Arts – Illustration program. In this gallery, she worked with another artist to create a collection of stories that integrated fairy tales and Jewish themed narratives that she would have liked to see growing up.
Sofia’s collection, titled “Lucky Places for a Grave,” depict modern, inclusive twists on old fairy tales she knew as a child. The fairy tale characters are in some cases beautiful, and in others grotesque. A large emphasis seemed to be placed on ambiguity, as objects could have been interpreted in different ways, shifting the perceived meaning of some of her pieces. Her work was taught provoking and eye catching, overall I enjoyed viewing her work and talking with her about her thoughts on them.
When I asked Sofia what was on her mind when creating this piece, she talked about making stories that she needed when growing up. Distraught with the stereotypical depictions of Jews and Jewish culture, Sofia sought to weave tales of a different side of her heritage in a more inclusive way, highlighting queer characters and attributes in a positive light. Her mixed heritage of Italian and Jewish were influential factors in her perception of her cultures growing up, and in creating her art for this collection.
Like most kids, I grew up on fairy tales. I didn’t know what depictions Sofia had been referencing off the top of my head, but after a couple minutes of speaking to her, I understood everything she said, although I know that with my realization, I could not relate to how she felt no matter how hard I tried. I like to hear other’s opinions of social issues and how it affects them, because it broadens my horizon of knowledge on how people can be impacted by these things. Our conversation was intriguing and enlightening, and increased my appreciation for her already beautiful art.
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