Reimagining Classics: Alessandra Gugliara's Lost Masks

The story of Alessandra Gugliara’s latest exhibition at Imperfecta is as captivating as the art itself. In December 2025, Gugliara, an Italian mask maker known for her whimsical and melancholic papier-mâché creations, sent a new collection to the Imperfecta Gallery for her solo show titled Aletheya. Unexpectedly, half of the pieces vanished during transit, leaving both the artist and gallery in dismay.

Then, three months later, the missing masks mysteriously reappeared, sparking a fresh wave of creativity and a reimagined exhibition. This blog explores the fascinating journey of these lost masks and how they inspired the show Fellini, Méliès and Collodi: Reimagining classics with papier-mâché.

The Unexpected Loss and Rediscovery of the Masks

When Alessandra shipped her new body of work to Imperfecta, the anticipation was high. The collection was meant to debut in February 2026, showcasing her latest explorations in mask making. However, only half of the pieces arrived. The rest were lost in the postal system, leaving a significant gap in the exhibition.

This loss was more than just physical; it was emotional. Gugliara’s masks are not mere objects but expressions of identity and soul, crafted with painstaking detail. The missing pieces represented stories left untold and characters left unseen. As a gallery’s curator, I (Daria Loi) shared the disappointment yet tried to remain hopeful.

Then, in March 2026, the impossible happened. A parcel containing the lost masks arrived unannounced. Their whereabouts during those three months remain a mystery. Did they travel the world? Were they held in a forgotten corner of a postal warehouse? No one knows. What mattered was that the masks were back, ready to be part of a new story.

Reimagining the Exhibition

With the masks returned, I saw an opportunity to rethink the exhibition. Instead of simply adding the missing pieces, I proposed to reimagine the entire collection. The new show would not only display the masks but also weave new narratives and connections, inspired by the movie-like story of the missing and travelling masks.

The exhibition, Fellini, Méliès and Collodi: Reimagining classics with papier-mâché is divided into three thematic groups, each drawing inspiration from great classics:

• The Adventures of Pinocchio (1883) by Carlo Collodi

• La strada (1954) by Federico Fellini

• A Trip to the Moon (1902) by Georges Méliès

  
  

Each section features masks that relate to characters and scenes from these timeless works, accompanied by curatorial notes to provide context and inspire visitors to create meaningful, personal connections with displayed artworks.

Exploring the Themes of the Exhibition

The Adventures of Pinocchio by Carlo Collodi

Carlo Collodi’s Pinocchio is a tale of growth, deception, and the search for truth. Gugliara’s masks capture the essence of this story with focus on a handful of key characters: Pinocchio, Mangiafuoco and the cunning Fox and Cat. The papier-mâché technique adds texture and depth to these characters, emphasizing the fragility and resilience of the wooden puppet who longs to become real. Each piece invites reflection on the nature of identity and the journey toward self-awareness.

La Strada by Federico Fellini

Fellini’s La strada is a cinematic masterpiece about human connection and survival. Gugliara’s masks evoke the film’s emotional intensity, portraying clowns and well as wondrous and melancholic characters. The rough, tactile quality of papier-mâché and Gugliara's contrasting colors mirror the harshness and tenderness of their world. This section highlights the interplay between vulnerability and strength, showing how masks can express complex emotions beyond words.

A Trip to the Moon by Georges Méliès

Méliès’ A Trip to the Moon is a pioneering fantasy film filled with whimsy and imagination. Gugliara’s masks in this segment are playful and surreal, capturing the spirit of early cinema and the wonder of exploration. The masks feature moon faces, astronauts, and fantastical creatures, all crafted with vibrant colors and inventive shapes. This part of the exhibition celebrates creativity and the magic of storytelling.

Alessandra Gugliara’s Artistic Journey

Alessandra Gugliara graduated from the State Art Institute of Monza in Italy. Her background spans fashion and theater, which informs her approach to mask making. Currently, she leads experiential workshops using the ArtLab™ method, engaging schools, individuals, and museums in creative exploration.

Her artistic research centers on identity and the search for the soul, themes that resonate deeply in her papier-mâché masks. Each piece is a blend of craftsmanship and narrative, inviting viewers to connect with the stories behind the faces.

Why This Exhibition Matters

This exhibition is more than a display of masks. It is a story of loss, rediscovery, and creative renewal. It shows how art can transform setbacks into new opportunities and how classic stories continue to inspire contemporary artists.

For anyone interested in craftsmanship, storytelling, or the magic of transformation, Fellini, Méliès and Collodi: Reimagining classics with papier-mâché offers a rich and engaging experience.

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