Keeping the vision alive
Pinocchio in the Gallery was born from a desire to keep alive the artistic vision of José Luis Ciccio and the project he created in 2003, "Sarà vero che Pinocchio…?"
José Luis Ciccio did not see Pinocchio simply as a beloved character from a children's story. Through years of research and artistic exploration, he discovered in the world created by Carlo Lorenzini, known as Collodi, a much deeper story—one of transformation, human nature, growth, choices, mistakes, and the search to become who we are meant to be.
His work brought Pinocchio into the history of art, placing the little wooden puppet within the world's great masterpieces and inviting us to look at familiar works of art through a different perspective.
From Sarà vero che Pinocchio…? to Pinocchio in the Gallery
In 2003, José Luis Ciccio began sharing his interpretation of Pinocchio through a collection of original artworks in which Pinocchio enters some of the most recognized masterpieces in art history.
The project grew over the years through exhibitions, educational experiences, and encounters with audiences of all ages.
After José Luis passed away in 2022, the collection remained—not only as a body of beautiful artworks, but as the expression of his unique way of seeing Pinocchio and the human story behind it.
For us, preserving his work means more than keeping the paintings safe.
It means keeping his vision alive.
It means continuing to tell the story he began, sharing his interpretation with new audiences, and allowing people to discover the ideas and philosophy that were at the heart of his work.
A collection with a journey ahead
This is where "Pinocchio in the Gallery" begins.
Rather than being a single exhibition, Pinocchio in the Gallery is a new chapter in the journey of the entire collection.
We are bringing together and presenting José Luis Ciccio's collection of artworks in different galleries, cultural spaces, historic locations, schools, and other venues, allowing each place and each audience to discover Pinocchio from a new perspective.
Through these exhibitions, we want people to see more than Pinocchio inside famous works of art.
We want them to discover José Luis Ciccio's way of looking at Pinocchio—his questions, his reflections, and his belief that behind this seemingly simple character lies a profound story about the human experience.
Preserving the art. Continuing the vision
Today, we continue to care for the collection and carry its story forward.
Every painting is part of the legacy José Luis left behind. Together, they tell the story of an artist who spent years exploring the meaning of Pinocchio and finding new ways to bring his ideas to life.
Pinocchio in the Gallery is our way of continuing that journey.
A journey that began with Sarà vero che Pinocchio…? and continues today through new exhibitions, new encounters, and new generations of viewers.
Our hope is that, wherever the collection travels, people will not only recognize Pinocchio in the masterpieces—but will pause, look again, and discover the deeper story José Luis Ciccio saw within him.
His art remains.
His vision continues.
And Pinocchio keeps traveling.
