Vivid colors, fragments, digital essence, art, memory, and hybrid creations—how could they all seamlessly intertwine? Look no further than Christina Papaioannou's mesmerizing paintings! Christina, an emerging visual artist and graduate of the Athens School of Fine Arts, skillfully produces multi-layered works that ignite curiosity. Her vibrant palette captivates the eye, inviting viewers to explore the depths of her creations.
Joining us this week, Christina talks about her art, her inspiration and her unique artistic journey, which has taken her from Greece to the UK and Austria in just a few years.!
Come and dive with us into her art-world!
How would you describe your art in just 5 words?
Dynamic. Fragmented. Alien-spirited. Playful. Whimsical.
In your works, we see a fusion of digital and traditional painting which results in the
creation of ‘’ hybrid compositions’’ as you described. How did this come about, what
was the process of creating this ‘’new form’’?
Well, this fusion emerged from my early experimentation in Photoshop during my
teenage years, which left a lasting impact on my aesthetic sensibilities. It also began with
my curiosity about the immediate access to diverse visual elements online, spanning
from historical art to contemporary pop culture. The digital tools provided a playful and
dynamic space for me to manipulate images, resulting in fragmented, layered, and
surreal visual outcomes.
The process involves a two-way journey, navigating both the virtual and physical realms.
As an image collector, I gather a diverse range of source materials, including pixels,
botanical motifs, animals, ancient Greek architecture, Renaissance engravings,
children's drawings, and even fragments of my own previous works. These images serve
as ready-mades, providing a foundation for the creation of hybrid compositions.
However, rather than solely existing in the digital realm, I reintroduce this processed data
back into material reality by manually applying it to the canvas.
Throughout this process, I insist on maintaining a commitment to traditional painting,
cherishing the time-intensive process and the physicality it brings to the artistic creation,
which I find exhilarating.
In 2023, you traveled to Vienna for your solo exhibition “Time Travels”.
Could you tell us about this experience?
With the exhibition 'Time Travels', I had the opportunity to showcase my work in a
wonderful location in the historic center of Vienna. It was my second solo exhibition
abroad, following 'Anorioton', in December 2019, in London (J/M Gallery, Notting Hill).
Essentially, the exhibition consisted of two solo shows, mine and that of my good friend,
the artist Cacao Rocks, both hosted in the two seperate spaces of the AG18 Gallery.
Vienna is a city steeped in history and has a vibrant arts scene, with numerous museums
and galleries. While I was there, I had the opportunity to visit Parallel Vienna, an art fair
that primarily serves as a platform for young and emerging artists. Such a refreshing
experience!
Could you share some specific influences or experiences that have significantly
shaped your artistic perspective? Has your artistic style evolved over time?
A crucial aspect of my artistic identity is rooted in my upbringing within an artistic
background. Growing up in the studio, surrounded by my mother's art -who's also a
painter- laid the foundation for my deep connection to the painting process. This
experience has not only influenced my artistic choices but has also instilled a sense of
ease and naturalness in pursuing a creative path.
My artistic evolution over the years is marked by a continuity in themes and patterns.
From abstract landscapes to alien interiors, and from historical references to scenes
reminiscent of video games, my compositions share a core value of balancing chaos and
extracting meaning from my life experiences.
A great example is my diploma painting series at the Athens School of Fine Arts. It
consisted of large abstract works, in which I used only one color: black on a white
surface. They had a sense of calligraphy and engraving simultaneously. While they did
not foreshadow the explosion of color that would follow, the fundamental conceptual and
intellectual axes were present; engagement with balance, order, and chaos was always a
prevalent theme. The introduction of color in my work came spontaneously, as an
internal necessity. I studied Matisse, for example, after I had already begun my first
series of colorful works.
In my early works after completing school, I focused on rendering interior spaces, viewed
through a highly personal lens and infused with memories. Following that, I transitioned
to works where the human form, although already fragmented, played a significant role in
shaping the composition. Gradually, the figure underwent further deconstruction, making
way for animal forms, architectural or botanical motifs, flying tables, explosive vases with
flowers, and lately, hybrid statue-like figures, pixels and 3D elements.
‘’These playful scenarios are articulated in an unencrypted language that invites the
viewer to interpret it from scratch, like a psychological test’’ - what is the role of
psychological engagement in your work and what do you hope viewers to take away
from experiencing your art?
The psychological engagement in my work plays a pivotal role as I invite viewers to
immerse themselves in a “magical” language within my paintings. I hope to evoke a
sense of connection between the viewer's individual experiences and the diverse
references embedded in my artwork. By leaving the interpretation open and embracing
the varied emotional and psychological states of individuals, my art becomes a mirror
reflecting the rich tapestry of human experiences. I aspire for viewers to take away a
unique and personal connection with the artwork, fostering a dialogue that transcends
the canvas and resonates with the complexity of their own lives.
I have my personal reasons to create an image, and if it is personal enough, it surely can
be universal.
What are your plans – set of goals- for 2024?
I am very happy to participate in "Coup de Coeur" exhibition, featuring 16 outstanding artists
from the new generation. The event will take place from the 14th to the 17th of February at Villa
Stella, Neo Iraklion area in Athens. Additionally, I am excited to share that there is another
upcoming group show/event in Athens for International Women's Day, details of which will be
announced soon. Also, some new collaborations are on the way ;)
We would like to thank Christina for this amazing discussion and her presence at Insistrum this week! Don't forget to follow her for more incredible art.
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Photographs copywrites belong to Christina Papageorgiou.
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