Illusorya • Atelier
Dark Surreal Art by Stefania Russo
2026 - Like a Tale from Nowhere
Timidly returning from the hiatus. Art will never disappear ♡
Atelier is open during every weekend!
Come visit me and discover in person all the handmade artworks.
Events & Shows
To meet the artist in person "on the road" or enjoy her art during shows.
The online shop is on hiatus
Sometimes there is the need to close a door behind to discover another exciting adventure that awaits us, beyond the next one. Like every time, it will be better than the last one. Thank you so much for the warm love and support. See you soon! ♡
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Stefania Russo, aka Illusorya
Freedom is embracing your own fragility and resilience. Freedom is feeling your heart safe, like within the welcoming walls of your home. Freedom is breaking the chains of prejudice and contemplating all this forever imprinted on canvas, in a dance of dreaminess and sensuality, colors and shapes.
Current works
The fairest of Decadent Kingdom
🟢 Available, contact Curio Art Gallery for details.
[And the day will come when the Architect of Corruption will be revealed to the realm. The masks will fall, the flowers will fade. And Grimhilde will be caught in the vortex of her own evil.]
- For the group show:
"Wicked Muses" @ Curio Art Gallery (Lisbon, Portugal), February 7 - 28, 2026. - 25x35cm. Mixed media, acrylic on canvas panel.
The Tale of the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing
🟢 Available.
- 21x30cm. Mixed media, acrylic on paper.
Trigger Warning • Sensitive Content: Narcissism
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About the work "The Tale of the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing"
This is my representation of the Devil. A palpable, insidious figure... Real.
The painting concept is the allegorical figure of the pathological Narcissist who, in order to feed own ego, is willing to deeply wound itself in order show to society as the victim ofown prey -it may be partner, friends, or even own children.
Often, the narcissist ends the "big plan" into commited suicide itself, further strengthening the mask of the victim, to the point of causing discomfort to the intended subjects, such as the future malaise caused by this act.
The face portrayed in this painting, almost childlike and genuine, is reassuring. The naturalistic background is also comforting, a theatrical stage designed down to the smallest detail for her "big plan".
That's not impossible to notice at first glance the deep and deeply rooted wounds (even symbolic ones, due to the unconscious consumption caused by the pathology).
Her dark, black, cold, calculating eyes, the sketchy smile hidden by the abrasion of her gag (representing the attempts -from victim- to fight the Narcissist, whose Word is the primary weapon), and the great black void around her... Once will be noticed it's too late, as you've already fallen into her trap.
The only way to avoid the Narcissist is to ignore its searching gaze and ignore its cries for help. Those who have had experience will be more likely to recognize the distinctive features of the "big plan" 's trap.
The Lush(ly) Masquerade
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#1 • Blue
🟢 Available.
[A remarkable sense of recklessness vibrates beneath the skin of three graceful souls. The spectrum of colors cannot be commanded between the white sheets.]
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#2 • Purple
🟢 Available.
ACEO (Art Cards, Editions, and Originals), 6.4 x 8.9 cm. Mixed media: watercolor and colored pencil on paper.
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#3 • Green
🟢 Available.
For the group exhibition:
“ Holiday Open Studio ” @ Hinge Artist Collective
December 7 - 21, 2025
Discover all the artworks:
News & Blog
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2026 - Like a Tale from Nowhere
An almost interminable silence , but with the feeling that it passed by as quickly as the flap of wings.I refuse to let the passion lie dormant in my blood,...
2026 - Like a Tale from Nowhere
An almost interminable silence , but with the feeling that it passed by as quickly as the flap of wings.I refuse to let the passion lie dormant in my blood,...
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The online store will close May 15th
Important update regarding the online shop: The shop will close on May 15th along with the last chance to adopt my remaining works and creations, discounted from 50% to 80%...
1 commentThe online store will close May 15th
Important update regarding the online shop: The shop will close on May 15th along with the last chance to adopt my remaining works and creations, discounted from 50% to 80%...
1 comment -
Open Letter: It's Time to Close a Chapter
That's not probably a happy letter in this Christmas season but you know me and if you following me, well, it means that we share the appreciation of the grotesque...
2 commentsOpen Letter: It's Time to Close a Chapter
That's not probably a happy letter in this Christmas season but you know me and if you following me, well, it means that we share the appreciation of the grotesque...
2 comments -
Illusorya Atelier - A New Beginning
August 8, 2023. Today is exactly one year. One year since that crazy impetuosity and taking the situation head on in an attempt to free myself from a block that...
2 commentsIllusorya Atelier - A New Beginning
August 8, 2023. Today is exactly one year. One year since that crazy impetuosity and taking the situation head on in an attempt to free myself from a block that...
2 comments
Visit ~ Buy in person
Come visit me and discover all the artworks, in person. Open by appointment • Free entry!