My work is based on a trans-classical research that uses elements typical of the “classic” imaginary‚ in a broad sense. It belongs to the Greek Latin world but also to the Medieval and Renaissance one.

Through the evocation of the power of these codes‚ deeply rooted in contemporary culture because of the same origin‚ but forgotten in their value of ethical/moral/aesthetical vector‚ the ready made work‚ which draws from particular original Arab and European medieval miniatures – translated on digital support – aims to the reconstruct anew a hieratic‚ mysterious and dignified visual imaginary. The strength of symbols that have something arcane‚ taken from literature and mythology‚ aims to awaken obedience to a “beautiful” and a “good” that belongs to a superior order: the ideal one. And here seduce the viewer. The absolute centre of research is seduction‚ from Latin se-ducere‚ which means “to lead oneself‚ in another physical or mental place” (when these two do not coincide).

Of the current meaning of the word seduction only its ambiguity is preserved‚ here functional to the experience. The empirical value of “going through” induces to the reflection on how much and which part we are in what we see. Drawing from the “classical” ideal‚ in a broad sense‚ means to secure – beyond its efficacy – also the importance of arcane secrecy ingrained in it.
A liminal operation.
Being seduced to bring to conscience.
And vice versa.

Nicole Riefolo was born in Turin on 30.10.1978. In 1999 she moves to Bologna to attend the Accademia Clementina of Fine Arts and graduate in Painting.

She moves to Reykjavik‚ Iceland‚ to attend the LHI School of Arts‚ after some research journeys in Norway and Finland.

In 2006 she first moves to Florence‚ to study its light‚ and then to Milan‚ with a fellowship for the international MA in Light Design at I.E.D..

After a brief incursion in the world of stage lighting for opera‚ she moves back to her hometown‚ Torino‚ where she currently lives and works.

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