C.O.O.L.

C.O.O.L. stands for Chronic Obscenity Ongoing Labyrinth. This exhibition is about Valentino's period between childhood and adolescence. At a young age, he was convinced that to become a real man, one had to be a street thug or a drug dealer. Due to a lack of other role models, he saw these figures as kings and holy persons. Through his C.O.O.L. project, Valentino shares how he looked up to such (now in his eyes, wrong) heroes.

In his message, he uses a religious theme and highlights these 'sinners' in a way that makes it seem like they are protected or blessed by a heavenly light. The figures are surrounded by much shadow, creating a contrast that evokes mystery and ignorance. His inspiration comes from Caravaggio, who was known as the criminal painter. Valentino became fascinated with how Caravaggio illuminated subjects and how he gave a human face to holy icons such as Jesus and his disciples.