Based on the tale "Sleeping Beauty" [German: Dornröschen] from Grimms‘ Children‘s and Household Tales:

"Sleeping Beauty" is a timeless tale rich with symbolism and interpretations. The theme of sleep carries the meaning of innocence, vulnerability, and stagnation. Some interpretations suggest that the deep slumber represents societal suppression or the consequences of neglecting one's true self. The kiss of the prince can symbolize awakening to one's own power or liberation from oppression. However, amidst these interpretations, the question arises: are fairy tales merely fantastical narratives, or do they offer deeper insights into human psychology and societal norms?

Perhaps, like the prince who bravely cuts through the thorny obstacles to awaken Sleeping Beauty, society awaits individuals willing to challenge conventions and ignite change. In this light, the tale shows us of the transformative power of courage and perseverance in awakening dormant potentials within ourselves and society.
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Background and framework: Kingdom of the Dreamer explores the legacy of classical storytelling through DocT’s widely recognized neo-expressionist visual language. Spurred by his reading of Grimms’ Fairy Tales as bedtime stories to his daughter, DocT finds inspiration in how folktales represent both timeless relevance and universally shared cultural lessons. Throughout the collection, familiar archetypes of European folklore converge in resemblance to a fragmented tarot deck. Between the rich colors and visual violence of his gestural marks, DocT’s work navigates a delicate balance between cheerful enthusiasm and terminal dread.
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Process and media: Each work is the outcome of a specifically designed multi-step process, which includes the creation of a series of base images with differing AI tools, the partial blending of the base images, and comprehensive post-editing using Photoshop and other editing tools. In brief, the process engages with techniques of digital collage as a means to create highly personal and emotionally charged works.
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Of note: The majority of pieces from this line of work will be 1/1 NFTs, apart from future airdrops to collectors and occasional edition pieces. Some works may also be available as separate physical artworks in the future, which would not include the NFT.