Artworks Reinterpret “Alice in Wonderland” with a Creepy, Pumpkin-Centric Twist
Fairy tales such as “Alice in Wonderland” frequently evoke the warm nostalgia of Disney films, yet the reality is that these narratives often stem from much darker beginnings. Italy-based artist Simona Candini has embraced this sinister aspect, reinterpreting the beloved Lewis Carroll tale with a charmingly eerie twist. Her series “Alice in Pumpkinland” follows the titular heroine on a spooky journey, mingling with characters from “Alice in Wonderland” as well as various Halloween-themed figures.
“I’ve always been drawn to the ambiance and symbolism of Halloween: its gothic tales, its mythic entities, and its ties to the enigmatic,” the artist tells My Modern Met. “In this collection, Alice embodies the inner child, a recurrent motif in my work, and her voyage through surreal realms is a meeting with the gothic symbols of literature and folklore. Each encounter symbolizes an investigation into the ‘dark side,’ albeit not in a malevolent manner. These beings, from Frankenstein to the Werewolf, serve not as antagonists, but as guides leading Alice, and us, towards understanding ourselves and them.”
Candini has long been inspired by fairy tales, allowing her to merge innocence with intrigue. “I enjoy reinterpreting those stories, unveiling the tension between the adorable and the unsettling, the delightful and the spooky,” the artist reveals. “Through this dichotomy, I aim to restore a more genuine emotional truth, one that speaks to inner fears, suppressed desires, and the monsters that dwell within.”
The artist hopes the viewer’s gaze will traverse her artwork, unearthing fresh details each time they observe. It’s intended to feel as though you’re examining a dream that continuously reveals new facets. For Candini, the crafting of each piece involves a similar journey of discovery. She plays with the interplay of light and shadow, which has proven to be an effective method for maintaining creativity.
“I would find it endlessly tedious if I had to stay in just one route,” Candini admits. “I don’t wish to be an artist who solely paints joyful, vibrant, cute realms; I cherish those as well, but I also crave the gothic, the shadowy, the mysterious. I enjoy transitioning freely between the eerie and the whimsical, often merging them within the same piece. I’ve always sensed a quiet connection with the monsters and antagonists in tales, not because I identify with them, but because I comprehend what they signify.”
For the artist, illustrating these figures feels like granting a voice to the misconceived while examining the beauty that can arise even from darkness. A creative individual since childhood, Candini discovered a means of expressing wonder through drawing and painting. After attempting a scientific career, she self-taught in painting in 2010 and became a full-time artist. She has a particular affinity for oil painting and dedicates long hours to refining her skills.
“I admire the slow, intentional rhythm of oil painting, the capacity to blend and alter, and how a piece can develop progressively, day by day,” she states. “That patience and adaptability resonate with my working style and thought process.”
The painter also emphasizes that what is most significant in her art is its ability to express feelings and create moments of joy, wonder, and connection. “Every painting holds a piece of my heart, and when it resonates with someone, often a deeply sensitive individual, it creates a bridge between me and the broader world,” she shares.
“Understanding that my creations will reside in homes across continents, impacting lives far away, feels like a piece of me is journeying, encountering new and beautiful realities. I believe art possesses the ability to nurture both the creator and the observer, and surrounding ourselves with objects that exude beauty and meaning can profoundly influence the energy of our daily lives.”
Candini’s “Alice in Pumpkinland” will be on display until November 1 at Copro Gallery in Santa Monica, California. If you cannot attend, you can browse and purchase works on Simona Candini’s website. To keep up with the artist, follow Simona Candini on Instagram.
**Exhibition Information**:
Simona Candini
Alice in Pumpkinland
October 11–November 1
Copro Gallery
2525 Michigan Avenue #T5, Santa Monica, California, United States.
Simona Candini: [Website](https://simonacandini.com/) | [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/simonacandini/)
*My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Simona Candini. Quotes have been edited for length and clarity.*
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