"Bianca Raffaella invites viewers into a deeply introspective sensory experience,
conveying her journey through a self-portrait painted from a memory of when she
was 15. During that time, she struggled with deep feelings of worthlessness due to
her blindness, and through this artwork, she attempts to reclaim that lost moment of
youth. This acrylic work on panel features soft, muted tones that evoke a sense of
vulnerability and reflection, embodying the complexities of youth, the passage of
time, and the resulting differences in perspective. The subtle interplay of light blues,
soft pinks, and gentle whites creates a delicate atmosphere of fragility, suggesting
the fleeting nature of innocence and the burden of growing awareness, while
lamenting the universal self-criticism and even self-loathing that can consume youth.

Raffaella's technique, rooted in touch and memory, is evident in her expressive
brushstrokes and layered textures. Each application of paint, whether through tender
fingertip impressions or bold strokes, captures the nuances of her experience as a
partially sighted artist.

The title ""Where Youth Grows Pale"" is from John Keats' ""Ode to a Nightingale"" and
reflects the bittersweet transition from the vibrancy of youth to the more subdued
tones of maturity, echoing the artist's exploration of self and perception. Through this
piece, Raffaella not only delves into themes of accessibility and the multifaceted
nature of beauty but also encourages a deeper connection with the artwork,
advocating for an understanding of art that resonates with the complexities of human
experience and emotion."