Cucci Butterflies

Cucci Butterflies continues the narrative begun in Alia Simetra’s artwork Chasing Butterflies. The earlier work featured butterflies made from currency, representing the unnoticed moment when we stop chasing the real butterflies of childhood and begin pursuing money, status and material success instead.

Following this realisation, Cucci Butterflies redirects that pursuit. Here, the currency butterflies are replaced with gold ones, symbolising the decision to chase happiness rather than wealth. Gold holds a deeply personal meaning for the artist: it is the colour through which he visualises happiness, inspired by the golden sunsets that bring him some of his most peaceful and joyful moments.

The work’s background introduces another layer of history and material transformation. Acquired at an auction in London, it was originally created as a decorative Gucci wall display. Removed from its commercial setting and reimagined as part of the artwork, the material creates a dialogue between luxury, desire and the search for genuine fulfilment.

Ultimately, Cucci Butterflies asks us to reconsider what we are chasing and whether the things we pursue are truly capable of making us happy.