Little Miss Goo 2018

Curator: "Little Miss Goo" is a 2018 acrylic painting by Camilla d'Errico. It's quite an evocative piece, merging elements of portraiture with pop-surrealism. Editor: Wow. My first thought? A daydream caught on canvas. It’s so whimsical, so dripping with—literally dripping with—imagination. That little dragon perched on her head, those huge, innocent eyes… It’s like looking into a puddle of a child's thoughts. Curator: The fusion of realism with surreal elements is definitely striking. We see a hyper-realistic, almost doll-like figure, juxtaposed against this fantastical creature, what you called a dragon. These themes tap into some serious commentary regarding representation and innocence in contemporary media. Editor: "Representation and innocence," yes, totally. But also...doesn't it also remind you of the goo-covered toys that kids collect? Like she's wearing her own treasured, albeit slightly messy, imagination? There's a delicious irony here. This character seems to revel in what some might consider imperfection. Curator: Absolutely, there's a rejection of conventional perfection. The "goo," as it were, and those dripping colors become integral, even defiant parts of her beauty. It really challenges the artifice often associated with beauty standards in portraiture, especially of young girls. D’Errico, I would argue, actively undermines those standards. Editor: Exactly! It’s as if she’s saying, "Here’s beauty, but with a twist.” I mean, just look at the color palette – those dreamy blues and pastel pinks are like a lullaby. There is almost something melancholy lurking just beneath the surface. The glossy surface makes the "goo" look strangely desirable. Curator: You touch on something essential: desire. "Little Miss Goo" perhaps, embodies a broader, culturally ingrained desire for innocence and fantasy, but within an almost hyper-commodifiable context. The subject's race cannot be overlooked, either; what narratives does this create around contemporary expectations? Editor: Mmm. This is definitely one that lingers, even makes you smile. Thanks, d'Errico! Curator: Indeed. An excellent showcase for those wishing to understand contemporary figuration beyond a Eurocentric narrative.