Nicole Mezzapelli

She is Still Inside of Me

I have always been interested in aging and growing. How it changes you, what you remember, what you forget, and how it's represented in your present life. This work delves into the realm of reflective nostalgia, which is associated with the longing for moments, places, and activities that time has swept away. This painting represents a visual exploration, capturing the essence of my childhood through a vibrant tapestry of toys, books and garments. The canvas becomes a vessel for introspection, with my palette mirroring my emotions associated with my childhood, as well as the loose and messy strokes evoking a childlike innocence. With some items being accentuated and others not, this serves as accepting what remains with me, and what is only in the recesses of my memory. The arrangement pays homage to the ISpy books that were a large part of my childhood. The composition invites viewers to embark on a visual scavenger hunt by using the magnifying glass to discover hidden text, reminiscent of the book. The intentional manipulation and additions on the canvas serve as a way to heighten the viewers' sensory experience, encouraging visual engagement as well as touch, bridging the gap between the past and present, and offering a tangible connection to the intangible essence of childhood.