the paintings

Click to read the stories if you are in a place to receive them. Each is an empowering example of finding strength after the trauma but reading the details may bring up some emotion. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and are looking for support, here are some reputable organizations available to help.

Artist Statement

Danielle Festa creates hyper-realistic, mixed media oil paintings that highlight resilience in trauma survivors. Figurative paintings of the Renaissance period were reserved for the rich and powerful, with carefully selected attire to highlight their prominent placement in society. Festa highlights a different type of power embodied in individuals who have faced incredible adversity, and paints survivors in self-selected wardrobes that showcase their strength.

There are many ways of coping with physical or mental trauma when it comes to outward appearance. Material can be a mechanism: for hiding, for comfort, for control. Festa discovers and paints survivors who have found the confidence to step back into the light. Color, pattern, fit, and embellishments worn with confidence, or that tell a story, can inspire others to rise up in the face of adversity.

The abstracted brush strokes or ink backgrounds contrast the detailed hyper-realistic portraits. The colorful, or sometimes dark, elements represent the complexity of entangled traumatic experiences, rising emotions and the emergence of courage.

Each survivor collaborates to find a Renaissance painting that speaks to them. This becomes an inspirational reference for Festa’s modern interpretation of each subject’s position, along with background elements. The Aplomb Project ensures that every survivor ends up with their portrait as a reminder of their strength.

The Aplomb Project is a 501(c)3 organization that uses the transformative power of art to uplift trauma survivors, promotes creative healing and presents inclusive artistic opportunities.

See upcoming events here.

If you or someone you know has experienced trauma and are looking for support, here are some reputable organzations that are available to help.

More than a collection of art and poetry, "The Portrait Project" highlights the inspiring resilience and courage of trauma survivors in the form of contemporary oil paintings, accompanying stories and powerful poetry.

All proceeds go towards supporting The Aplomb Project's mission.

Download the e-book with a donation of $1, $5 or $10 or purchase the hard copy on lulu.com.