2007-12-04, Town of Deception（在线收听）

On the Italian coast, colored-houses build down the hillside, soaking up the sun as they face the sea. But look closely, and you'll notice that something is a little strange. In Comokolly, the art of illusion is everywhere. This fishing village near Genoa is living museum of Trompe Loeil literally to trick the eye. And it does get tricky. Windows open in solid walls, elaborate stone work, that isn't. And while some flowers fade, others stay fresh for years.

Comokolly's fishermen originally painted their houses in bright colors and unusual designs, so they could recognize them from the water. In the 18th century, however, it became a way to make small simple buildings seem luxurious and grand. There're thousands of Trompe Loeil houses in this region, but only a handful of artists still painting them. Raffaella Stacca learned painting from her grandmother. Using classical methods on her own modern designs, she gives house-painting a whole new meaning.
"These painting facades are typical of Liguria, really typical. But for a while it seemed like no one was doing them anymore. "
It's taken 20years to prefect her technique of recreating stone. So that it looks real, even from close-up. Like most painters, she learned Trompe Loeil from other artists, not in school. But with few artists, there are fewer teachers and fewer places to learn.
Carlo Pere has made a business out of making the surreal real. Buyers for his imaginary terraces and bogus balconies often live in small houses or city apartments. Pere's job is to improve the view.

"Trompe Loeil means bringing the land to the sea, or the sea to the mountains, or vice versa. "
Pere's technique comes out of an art handbook from the 14th century, even his paints have the stamp of history, he uses only pure pigments mixed by hand. It keeps tradition alive. In Comokelly the local culture is still in plain view, from the bay to the bar, you just might not believe your eyes.