In an age where technology allows us to push the boundaries of art, to create digitally and tweak reality, it’s hard not to double glance at some of Nelly Recchia‘s work. Why? Because all of her creations are born purely from hours of hand painted expertise. With delicacy and patience, Nelly works to bring her visions to life through high class body painting. It is often a long process between the painter and model, who are hand picked by Nelly to “wear” her pre-visualised designs before being documented by a photographer to capture the painting before it is eventually washed off.
Whilst studying to be a make-up artist in France, Nelly highly impressed with her final exam piece in body painting; thus paving the way for her creative future. Developing her styles and technique to include prosthetics when necessary, Nelly has become one of the most highly respected and sought after body artists, working with the likes of Dita Von Teese, Gwen Stefanie and music band Genitortures among her more personal conceptions. Nelly brings an edge to body painting and the mass media that is full of dark, ethereal emotion. Her imagery creates fantastical worlds, where viewers can lose themselves in the detail of Recchia’s brush strokes as she aims to transform the human body into spectacular other worldly states. In her own words:
‘The media is feeding a theory that the only thing that matters is how one looks…And everyone ends up looking like empty clones with no substance at all…[it] is a worldwide disease. Sadly, I can feel pressures by this too. At the same time, it feeds my desire to create imagery counterbalancing this absurdity.’
Much of Nelly’s work has been purposely hidden from the internet. Though many of her fans are eagerly awaiting her upcoming book which promises to unveil many fresh pieces, there is still no deadline set for publishing. In the meantime, fans can continue to check out her website for more updates.
