Art page

03 May 2007

2009-07-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Dinner Theatre: No Ham in the SoupPENNY Loizou directed Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy for ACT at the Nicosia Hilton.Googie Withers (Dead of Night, Pink String and Sealing Wax) once appeared in a Dinner Theatre (with husband John Macallum) at the Nicosia Hilton. Yes she did. On interviewing her, she explained the difficulty of acting in a dining room and how another star went through agony before her entrance at a Dinner Theatre elsewhere. This was Claudette Colbert (It Happened One Night, Cleopatra) who was waiting to follow her leading-with-a-smile man but was forced to stay amongst the cutlery for quite a while as the audience kept on cheering, screaming and laughing for a long, long time but not actually for her. She eventually went into the dining room (the stage) to pick her co-star off the floor. He was quite big, too. Rex Harrison had upstaged her.Although the cast last Friday were, if they wished, passed titbits from the buffet before their performance not a single actor would miss a cue. After tucking in for one and half hours the ten to a table audience were told that the play was ready to start but desert - chocolate carre, vanilla panacota & lime mousse and coffee – would be served after the "Curtain Call".This is the hilarious play in which lights on (for the audience) means there is a power cut, while lights off means the space is flooded with light. Even the last line ends with the cast completely in the dark once the fuses have been mended. Brilliant. However at the final curtain call everyone could be seen and Penny was brought in from the dark of the dining table area to receive her well deserved bouquet.Everyone of the cast was excellent, movement outstanding, accents in class and other languages dead on. Faultless performances with every section of the acting area used to advantage. Top standard direction of course.Well here are the names of this great ensemble: Ricky Iacovou, Melanie Lovatt, Hilary Ives, Carlo Ioannou, James Mackay, Andrew Varley, Tessa Kolessides and John O’Donoghue.
Psathari’s Auction HouseThe creation of Psathari’s Auction house is substantially the extension of the work of Kypriaki Gonia Gallery which for fourteen years has served and serves with consistency the Art and Culture.The House aspires to serve the Art with the same zeal, contributing in the wider projection and promotion, in the formation of a new generation of votary of the Arts, in the creation of new collections, in the enrichment and renewal of old and still it provides the possibility for the votary of the Arts to invest in the Arts, creating the stock exchange of Arts.The House will deal with the auctioning of the work of Cypriot and Greek artists such as Kashelos, Votsis, Sergiou, Economou, Stass, Mytaras, Ioannides, Fassianos, Koukos, Charalambous, Tourou, Corbidge, Patsalos, Hadjikyriakos, Ghika, Chrysanthos and Sergiou. What a great Cypriot line-upThe auction will take place at the Hilton Hotel, on Nicosia, Wednesday, May 9, at 8pm. Enquiries and catalogues 99564131 or 24621109. And Cypris Auctions Greek & Cypriot Painting of the 19th and 20th hold a sale at the Hilton Hotel, Nicosia on May 23. The works will be exhibited in the Akamas Room from the 19th to the 23rd.
Nicos Papaloukas at ApocalypseTHIS exhibition continues until May 12 but luckily I have already seen it as it was hung before the opening.A splendid show. I believe the artist hails from Kyrenia originally but has been studying at Thessaloniki, where he gained excellent marks, comments and awards. Papaloucas captures space, the light and beauty of the environment. Years ago, I remember a critic calling a superb painting ‘haptic’ and this word (not in my dictionary however) appears to suit the work of Papaloukas. How fine to see yet another young artist using the simple, calm, uncluttered visuals of this country. And have readers noticed that figuration is back? Perhaps it never left.
Diadromes by DemetriadesSpyros Chryssis Demetriades is exhibiting at Pegasus Art Foundation until May 25. This brilliant artist of Cyprus is based in Limassol.Demetriades makes highly critical comments on this society, painted with great wit and visual accomplishment. Full report after I have seen the exhibition.It opened last night and is at Art Studio, which appears to be near the Rialto.
Art Aware timeART Aware is taking place on Sunday at 7pm at the Goethe Zentrum, Nicosia.This month’s participants are Vedia Okutan and Hourig Torossian.Vedia was born in Cyprus in 1980. She graduated from the Fine Arts Ceramic Department of Hacettepe University, Ankara. She started working in the same department as a research assistant in 2001. In 2004, she gained her MA degree.Verdia has participated in exhibitions in and out of Cyprus and has received prizes for art. In her work she studies the human body and variations of human bonds and turns these shapes into art forms with the help of the clay’s natural plasticity.She had her first solo exhibition in 2005 under the concept of ‘Unidentified Bodies’.Hourig says of her art: "My work has an autobiographical character and tends to focus on objects or images that have a direct relationship with my own history.""By using various means of reproduction (transformation), from painting to papier-mache, I am attempting to encounter and preserve traces of past events, and, in the process, explore the boundaries between experience and memory."
George SykopetritesGEORGE Sykopetrites is presenting Snakes and Ladders at the Panicos Mavrelis Cultural Centre, 71 Irini Street, Limassol.Sykopetrites is the most original of our contemporary artists. His paintings are richly-imaginative and painted with total command of technique and style. Do go and see them. His work expands out from this island with a global sensitivity but also goes deep into its soul.There will also be a book presentation; in Greek and English. Opening hours Friday 10am–1pm and 4pm-7pm, Saturday 10am–2pm. Full report next week.
And continuing… MIKE Marshall at Pharos centre of Contemporary Art, Nicosia exhibits until May 31. Marc-Alain Stamm has photographs at Leo Gallery 18 Amphitritis Street until May 19. Call 99511546 for personal appointment. More on this elsewhere. Nicos Tornaritis has opened an exhibition of paintings by Christos Charalambous and Gabriella and Vasso Papett at Kyklos Art Galley, Paphos. It will continue until May 20.Lefteris Olympios continues at Morphi Gallery, Limassol until May 5.The Leventis Museum of Nicosia’s exhibition on Samuel Beckett continues until May 6.
An Invitation to TravelThis exhibition, at Leo Gallery, 18 Amphitritis Street, Acropolis, Nicosia, is comprised of photographs by Marc-Alain Stamm.The subjects are of far-away places (Bali, Java Ecuador and Cuba) and have simple themes such as washing on a line.The artist obviously has a brilliant "eye" and the simplest of objects is seen with a new enrichment. They are printed on aluminium and the colour, detail and appearance of texture are quite staggering. Certainly one-up on your more than average oil seen in painting shows. The gallery is run by that very talented young artist Leo, who must not ignore his own work, however. Get him to talk on Stamm’s works, though. An exceptionally lively exhibition. Opening hours Wednesday-Saturday 6pm-9pm. For a personal appointment, call 99511546e-mail : leogallery@uscx.net

26 April 2007

2009-07-30T05:42:00.002-07:00

Surrealism reigns even when the sun is shining
GALLERIES here in Cyprus used to exhibit an artist’s work for about a month. Economically things appeared to have changed. Now it’s only about a week and a half instead before the next show. Just enough time for relatives to buy! Soon our artists will be having one night stands. Although this is not practical because our pavements are cluttered with cars. An alternative is to hang our canvases on the Green, Green Line.George Sykopetrites in LimassolTHE Panicos Mavrelis Cultural Centre is at 71 Irini Street, Limassol.Christia Ioannides Brooks will open this brilliant exhibition at 7.30 pm on Wednesday 2nd May. It will continue until Saturday 5th May. Sykopetrites is the most original of our contemporary artists. His paintings are richly imaginative and painted with total command of technique and style. Do go and see them. His work expands out from this island with a global sensitivity but also goes deep into its soul.There will also be a book presentation; in Greek and English. Other days: Thursday – Friday a.m 10:00 – 1:00 p.m and 4 pm – 7 pm. Saturday 10:00 a.m – 2:00 p.m.
The auction season is suddenly hereFIRST off the mark is Psathari’s Auction House. The creation of the House is substantially the extension of the work of Kypriaki Gonia Gallery which for fourteen years has served and serves with consistency the Art and Culture.The House aspires to serve the Art with the same zeal, contributing in the wider projection and promotion, in the formation of a new generation of votary of the Arts, in the creation of new collections, in the enrichment and renewal of old and still it provides the possibility for the votary of the Arts to invest in the Arts, creating the stock exchange of Arts.The House will deal with the auctioning of the work of Cypriot and Greek artists such as Michael Chr. Kashelos, Stelios Votsis, L Sergiou, L. Economou, Stass, Ted LLuyellen, D. Mytaras, V. Ioannides, A. Fassianos, D Koukos, A Charalambous, M Tourou, J. Corbidge, K Patsalos, Nicos Hadjikyriakos, Ghika, A Chrysanthos, L. Sergiou etc.The first auction will take place at the Hilton Hotel, Nicosia, 9th Wednesday of May 2007, 8.00 p.m. Viewing at Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, 45 Stadium str. 6020 Larnaca.Wednesday 2 May, 7.00 p.m. to 10.00 p.m.Thursday 3 May, 10.00 a.m. to 9 00 p.m.Friday 4 May, 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.Saturday 5 May, 10.00 a.m to 9.00 pm.Sunday 6 May, 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.Viewing at Hilton Hotel, Nicosia. Tuesday 8 May, 10.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m.Wednesday 9 May, 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. 8.00 p.m. the Auction.Reception at Hilton Hotel, Wednesday 9 May 6.00 pm to 8.00 pmAuction at Hilton Hotel, Wednesday 8.00 pm.Enquiries & Catalogues + 357 99 564131 or + 357 24 621109Communications Sponsor R I K
Yet another auctionCYPRIS AUCTIONS "Greek & Cypriot Painting of the 19th and 20th century" has its Auction at the Hilton Hotel, Nicosia on the 23rd May.The works will be exhibited in the AKAMAS ROOM from the 19.05.07 – 23.05.07.Consignments of paintings are invited until the 31.03.07More , More, Watch this Space
American International School ExhibitionTHE exhibition at The Melina Mercouri is now over. Last Tuesday’s opening was a wonderful evening with music too. Upstaging most adult shows in town. A most positive creative atmosphere filled the Melina. Very understanding and knowledgeable teaching from IB art teacher Michaela Marusak. Exceptionally progressive work. Every student searching themselves and understanding themselves and others through visual excellence. – Sam Allan - British - As well as a video which was played and admired throughout the opening evening, there were some excellent drawings too– Harriet Beckett-Butt: British - Some beautiful flower pictures and highly original clay sculptures– Maria Lukic: Serbian. In own space tucked in behind a ‘grotto’ some highly imaginative faces. Quite dramatic.– Kieran McLean South African/ Zimbabwean– The bed of chaos was stunning and strangely timely. Also excellent "out of Africa" visual comments. – Stacy Melvin - Scottish - Very good paintings. Broken glasss sculpture - sliced oranges - moving to new concepts.– Nicole Pekhazis Greek Lebanese. Excellent strange teapotty sculpture quite ominous amongst more pleasant imagery. – Sophie Pontikis - Cypriot-American - Superbly original and choch full of ideas and creative energy.– Maria Toumazou – Cypriot - Highly mature work with deep themes.– Ian Hanson Swedish. Good drawing - surreal eye on hand.– Rhea Lazarides - British Cypriot : very positive drawings of faces and also detailed close ups of butterflies.– Theresa Pross - German-British. Watch out Kandinsky! Strong. Extremely well coloured paintings.– Philip Weaver - Swedish- Danish. Confident, beautiful water colours.
Kyriaki Kosta’s Spring Summer collectionA PIECE of clothing is a code of communication for the national or local identity of people, their public or private lives, their sex and sexuality.Kyriaki Costa invites you to view her Spring Summer collection at her workshop28 April- 5 May. Saturday – Sunday from 11-6, Monday to Friday 4-8At 56 Griva Digeni Street , Kaimakli, Nicosia.Tel 99471107Email: kycosta@cytanet.com.cyIn designing clothes, Kyriaki Kosta imposes her own code of communication and invites us to reconsider our identity as the most multiform of constructs, made of aasorted fabrics, from a rural or urban space, from matter to withdrawal.The artist shows us ways of dressing and undressing our gendered roles as women and men, as adults and children. She also reminds us of the power of the senses and feelings hidden in an artifact made of cloth. Female friendship, a tender touch, as well as a loving glance towards everyday people, specify Costa’s symbolic, image-making language.Her clothes become the way through which we may tread the time and space of Nicosia, the town she inhabits. Every fold is a stroll down the neighbourhood. Every stitch a unifying thread in the body of a city that has long trained in holding onto, but also breaking through, its religious and national boundaries.Clothes of a specific provenance , but also of a cosmopolitan disposition, beyond specificity.In any case, the artist herself, as the subject of a late modernity, pierces through every concept of place and gender boundary, corroborating what has proved to be a prevailing feature of our time: That people put together a multitude if identities through practices and perceptions which, without refuting established values, open up to ‘other’, ‘different’ cultural particularities, dissolve limits, overturn stereotypes about what is ‘ beautiful’ and ‘feminine’, and especially turn their contemplative gaze towards the self.
Japanese Perspectives by Hirano Kae SHOWING at Technis Dromena gallery May 2 -12. Here is an exhibition of Paintings/Japanese buffet/Japanese film/ Japanese music/ Japan Info Stands and a sale of Japanese Books by Moufflon bookshop. In collaboration with the Embassy of Japan.This exhibition is aiming to serve as a cultural bridge between Cyprus and Japan. It provides an opportunity to enjoy and experience Japanese culture through various media thus enhancing the understandings of diverse points of view.Costas Galatariotis , the Honorary Consul-General of Japan in Limassol will make the opening speech.The film will be "Twilight Samurai" (“Tasogare Seibei”) 2002, directed by Yamada Yoji, Which was nominated for best foreign language film at the 76th Academy Awards.The painter Hirano Kae has lived in Nicosia for 2 years. She graduated at Waseda University Law Department in Tokyo. After holding several jobs in Tokyo, she studied in France before coming to Cyprus where she followed her heart to pursue her way in art.

Constantinos Kyrtis at Gallery kTHE Show is on at Gallery k in Nicosia April 25th – May 26th.Kyrtis’ work is populated with lively portraits .An old man with his bicycle, a young woman sitting on a couch holding a cup of coffee, a boy obstinately staring at the viewer, all real, almost tangible everyday people.At first, the artist’s portraits appear traditional, almost old fashioned. However Kyrtis’ work represents contemporary people with contemporary clothes and in contemporary settings.Constantinos Kyrtis graduated from the Art Institute of Southern California in 2003. There, he studied painting under Stephen W. Douglas, a leading L.A. painter and received the award ‘Best of Fine Arts’ in his sophomore as well as in his senior year, Constantinos Kyrtis also received the ‘Young Artist Award’ in 2006 in Cyprus.

Samuel Beckett (1906- 1989) THIS exhibition takes place at The Leventis Municipal Museum Temporary Exhibition Hall which is at 17 Hippocratis str, Laiki Yitonia. Nicosia until the 6th May. Very, very informative and well laid out
Here and thereAthina’s Berlin – in context at Omikron g Gallery, NicosiaThis excellent exhibition will continue until the 28th April Athina Antoniadou is showing paintings while Marina Shacola – photographsMike Marshall at Pharos centre of Contemporary Art exhibits until. 31st of May. Marc-Alain Stamm has photographs at Leo Gallery 18 Amphitritis Street until 19th May. Tel 99511546 for personal appointment. More on this later Nicos Tornaritis has opened an exhibition of paintings by Christos Charalambous and Gabriella & Vaso Papett at Kykklos Art Galley, Paphos. It will continue until the 20th of MayLefteris Olympios continues at Morphi Gallery, Limassol until 5th MayThe Leventis Museum of Nicosia’s exhibition on Samuel Beckett continues until the 6th of May.Don’t forget Black Comedy by Peter Shaffer will be performed at the Hilton on Friday (tonight) April 27th. For information and reservations tel 22377777. A Dinner Theatre production by ACT. From 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Vera Hadjida at Gloria’sVera’s exhibition – which opened on the 17th of the month - continues until the second of May. Here is a fine artist, and, I would say, one of the tops of her generation who is often underestimated. Outstanding use of pure paint application. The periods of decades in her work appear to repeat and this is surely because the island is continually under strife, stress and only surface change. Her succulent paintwork, however, bridges all our problems and it is Vera’s undoubted talent which continues as true art and not surface superficialities. Colour registers as a deep emotion and survives all our problems. An excellent exhibition.
Maria Hadjitophi at Opus 39YET another successful change-over at this most enterprising and energetic of galleries. It opens on Monday 30th of April and will continue until May 12.Lots of genuine Cypriot imagery such as weavings, baskets and fruits.Athena Schina says of Maria’s paintings:"Through outstanding painting and sensitive colour, Maria Hadjitophi deals, in an artistic way, with the vivid landscapes of memory, nostalgia, unsubdued desire and distant dreaming …"

An Invitation to Travel THIS exhibition is comprised of photographs by Marc-Alain Stamm. Show is at Leo Gallery 18 Amphitritis Street Acropolis, Nicosia.The subjects are of far-away places (Bali, Java Ecuador Cuba) and have simple themes such as washing on a line (in India) The artist obviously has a brilliant "eye" and the simplest of objects is seen with a new enrichment. They are printed on aliminium I think and the colour, detail and appearance of texture are quite staggering. Certainly one-up on your more than average oil seen in painting shows. The gallery is run by that very talented young artist Leo who must not ignore his own work however. Get him to talk on Stamm’s works.. An exceptionally lively exhibition. Opening hours Wednesday –Saturday 18;00 -21:00 and for personal appointment.Tel: 99511546 e-mail : leogallery@uscx.net

19 April 2007

2009-07-30T05:42:00.001-07:00

LYRAS AT OPUS 39Bring out the pegs, Dada GALLERIES here in Cyprus used to exhibit an artist’s work for about a month. Economically, things appear to have changed. Now it’s about a week and a half before the next show. Enough time for relatives to buy! Soon our artists will be having one night stands. This is not practical because our pavements are cluttered with cars. An alternative is to hang our canvases on the Green, Green Line.-

Great watercolours from Kyriacos
KYRIAKOS Lyros’s exhibition will continue at Opus 39 until April 28.These are excellent paintings of scenes, seen with a fond aesthetic eye.
GOING, GOING….
THE auction season is suddenly here.First off the mark is Psathari’s auction house.Psathari’s Auction house is substantially the extension of the work of Kypriaki Gonia Gallery which, for 14 years, has served and served art and culture in Larnaca.The House will deal with the auctioning of the work of Cypriot and Greek artists.The first auction will take place at the Hilton Hotel, Nicosia, on Wednesday, May 9, at 8pm. Viewing will be at Kypriaki Gonia, 45 Stadium Street, Larnaca, Wednesday, May 2, 7pm to 10pm; Thursday, May 3, and Friday May 4 10am to 9pm;; Saturday, May 5, and Sunday May 7, 10am to 9.00 pm.
Viewing at the Hilton: Tuesday, May 8, 10am to 9pm; Wednesday, May 9, 10am to 4pmCypris Auction’s ‘Greek & Cypriot Painting of the 19th and 20th Century’ takes place the Hilton, Nicosia on May 23. The works will be exhibited in the Akamas Room from May 19.

American International School Exhibition
A WONDERFUL exhibition at The Melina closes today 10am-1pm and 5pm – 8pm. This year’s group of young artists is made up of three Cypriots, three Britons, one Swede, one Serb, a South African, a Dane and a German.This range of nationalities gives an indication of the diversity of cultural experiences to be expected in this exhibition. As the name of the show (Cocktails) suggests, there is a variety of techniques ranging from sculptures to creative installations and paintings.Works will be displayed by Sam Allan, Harriet Beckettt-Butt, Maria Lukic, Kieran Mclean, Stacy Melvin, Nicole Pekhazis, Sophie Pontikis, Maria Toumazou, Ian Hanson, Rea Lazarides, Theresa Pross, and Philip Weaver.
Samuel Beckett at the Leventis THIS exhibition takes place at The Leventis Municipal Museum Temporary Exhibition Hall which is at 17 Hippocratis Street, Laiki Yitonia. Nicosia, until the May 6.-
Berlin in context
THIS exhibition at Omikron g Gallery, Nicosia, will continue until April 28. It is presented by Argo Gallery but Omikron g is at 2 Vasileos Pavlou, Nicosia (tel 22754009).Athina Antoniadou shows paintings while Marina Shacola shows her photographs.This is a very strong exhibition filling the large and often unused gallery (Omikron g) with images which relate. Space is very relevant in Athina’s huge paintings created from her studio in Berlin, while Marina Shacola shows beautifully-composed and executed photographs of Athina at her studio and also extending the painters imagery. In other words the two highly creative women overlap in the final results. This results in an excellent exhibition in which the space of the gallery contributes. Sometimes the two artist’s works are placed near each other giving much visual food for thought. In other parts of this spacious gallery the separate artists enjoy a visual privacy. In other words, an exhibition with more to say than is usual here.Excellently curated - a most positive move indeed in organization and co-operation.

Annita Georgiou at Technis Dromena
VASSOS Lyssarides honorary chairman of the Social Democrats Movement (EDEK) and no mean painter himself, opened the exhibition of Annita Georgiou at Technis Dromena Gallery. It will continue until April 28. -
Ruptures of dialogueDaphne Mavrovouniotis Trimikliniotis has an exhibition at Apocalypse Gallery which will continue until the 25th of the month.Brilliant figuration, meaningful themes, eloquent stories abound and all painted with great sensitivity and vigour.There is also a very informative book/catalogue available Here is a comment on a section of her work”A stroll down town becomes a bombardment of figures and slogans: “Sale” ,”Clearance”, “Reductions.”“The mannequins in shop windows appear identical, symmetrical copies in dummy-like worlds: products en masse, they reduce clones of an unreal and anorexic aesthetic. “They just pose there; next to each other, typical and vacuous, predictable, seemingly incapable, or better, unwilling to conceal the plastic nudity of the unreal.“Motionless, they gaze into the void without feeling; perhaps even without being. “An emptiness all over fills a life devoid of value or meaning.“Such was the stroll that gave birth to this series “Reductions in values and virtues; in friendship and love , life itself: human existence wholly devalued. And we are but spectators, and stooges in a life-long trade of souls.”All powerful stuff. Figuration and thought and concern rules you might say. And yet a very extra strength is given to these paintings by the artist’s actual, brilliant ability with the use of paint and subtle collage. In other words the aesthetics of abstraction gives to every painting yet another dimension. Go and look at ‘Ecological 3 – Burned Forest’ which is downstairs at the gallery. Every section in this masterpiece registers emotionally; even if it’s just a small area of applied canvas holding its own with the whole picture. Great.Daphne Mavrovouniotis Trimiklinitotis was born in Limassol and emigrated to London in 1959, where she studied at Hornsey College of Art, Middlesex University. She spent 35 years in London. She has had 14 solo exhibitions of her work in London, Greece and Cyprus, and took parting numerous group exhibitions. She is now the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts. . Here and There Mike Marshall is at the Pharos Centre of Contemporary Art until May 31. Nedi Sakellaropoulou has icons until April 21 at Gallery k.Susan Vargas Stefani is at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca, until April 20.Marc-Alain Stamm has photographs at Leo Gallery 18 Amphitritis Street until May 19. Tel 99511546 for personal appointment.Nicos Tornaritis will open an exhibition of paintings by Christos Charalambous and Gabriella & Vaso Papetta tonight the 20th of the month at 7pm at Kykklos Art Galley, Paphos. It will continue until May 20.The Leventis Museum of Nicosia’s exhibition on Samuel Beckett continues until May 6. Why does the image sent by Morphi Gallery, Limassol of a painting by Lefteris Olympios so resemble one from an exhibition due to be held at Dromena next month? Lefteris’ exhibition continues until at Morphi Gallery until May 5. He is a very good painter? But hasn’t April past ?Don’t forget Peter Shaffer’s Black Comedy will be performed at the Hilton Cyprus on Thursday April 26 and Friday April 27. For information and reservations tel 22377777. A Dinner Theatre production by ACT. From 10am to 5pm.
Vera Hadjida at GloriasVERA’S exhibition – which opened on April 17 - continues until May 2. Here is a fine artist, and, I would say, one of the tops of her generation who is often underestimated. Full report next week when I would have seen her new work. But go. Now.- View of CyprusA PHOTOGRAPHIC Itinerary from the 19th to the 20th century at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol, opening April 25 and continuing until May 27.The exhibition is based on the book “The island of Cypus, a photographic itinary from the 19th to the 20th Century.”The book is from Entipis publications and is by Lucie Bonito, Haris Yiakoumis and Kadir Kaba.On Saturday, April 28 at 2pm there will be a lecture by the curator of the exhibition, Dr Haris Yiakoumia - in Greek. .
ART AWAREDuring the time of April 1, I was invited to go on a bicycle ride (I was born in a bike shop actually but even as a toddler I kept falling off ) through The Bronx, New York but did not go. What I did miss though and am very, very sorry because the invite must have gone to Manhattan was to NOT KNOW about April’s ART AWARE. In which Angelo Evangelou participatedHere is an abridged version of her illustrated talk.“The earth and the soil attract us. “This gravitational pull, this attraction, is so powerful that we spend our entire life attached to the earth and all its products which nourish us – and when we die we enter deep within it, giving our body to the soil, to become one with its eco system. “Our life-long love affair with the earth culminates in a gift of our body to the earth and in a desire for rebirth and metamorphosis. Through burial and darkness, we make ourselves into a fetus in the womb of the earth, a pregnant seed awaiting rebirth and photosynthesis, opposing the finality of death, in an attempt to bring light again to the surface. “Seeds have been planted in the soil, growing as an intrinsic part of the art-work in a representation of the cycles of life.”Angelo is one of our best artists and dominated last autumn’s Inside The Walls Exhibition Sorry Angelo I would have loved to have been there. Could Nilgun Guney send the Arts Page some information on the other speaker that evening. PLEASE.-
10th European Dance Festival Limassol from tomorrow

12 April 2007

2009-07-30T05:41:00.002-07:00

Art
Great water colours
Kyriakos Lyros’ exhibition at Opus 39 will be opened by Akis Cleanthous the Minister of Education and Culture on Monday, April 16 and continue until the 28th of the month.
The artist considers this statement by the English academic Ken Howard matches his own philosophy and goals.
"I suppose my philosophy of paintings is very simple, particularly in this day and age. It is about three things really, it’s about revelation, it’s about communication and it’s about celebration. And if you take the first one, Revelation, what I mean by that is quite simply revealing to oneself through doing the painting, and thereby revealing to other people, a way of seeing the world. You open other people’s eyes to your way of seeing that is all-important.
Communication – very simple. I have always believed that art must communicate with a public. That’s not why you do it; you do it for yourself because you can’t help it. But, in a way, if your ideas are not communicated to other people then what is the point? You are just speaking to yourself; you are just contemplating your own navel.
The third one, Celebration, is one that I know a lot of people will argue with, but for me I like painting, music , literature, etc, to raise me above the norm, to raise my spirits and give me a sense of celebrating. I suppose for that reason my basic interest in paintings is light. I think light is celebration of nature. That to me is what I call celebration.
What I want my art to do, basically, is to make people feel elevated. To make them feel a sense of celebration about life, about the world, about them. And in this case when I work in Venice – a celebration of Venice, because of all the cities in the world, Venice is the one that celebrates life, it celebrates light, it celebrates art and it is a celebratory place."
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Cocktails from the American International School
The Annual Art exhibition by the American International School in Cyprus (AISC) is always full of surprises, talent and great work.
Many of the students at AISC take the challenging International Baccalaureate Diploma and choose art as one of their subjects. The work on show is always representative of a great academic programme, good teaching and the freedom the young artists are given to produce original art,
This year, AISC will be presenting the accumulated studio work of 12 candidates graduating from the International Baccalaureate programme. The exhibition is entitled "Cocktails" and will run from April 17 to the 20 at the Melina Mercouri Hall near Famagusta Gate in Old Nicosia; viewing hours will be between 10:00 – 13:00 and 17:00 -20:00 daily. I will be opening the exhibition at 8 pm on the 17th and can’t wait to see what is on offer this year.
This year’s group of young artists is made up of three Cypriots, 3 British. 1 Swedish, 1 Serbian, 1 South African, 1 Dane and 1 German.
This range of nationalities gives an indication of the diversity of cultural experiences to be expected in this exhibition. As the name of the show suggests there will be a variety of techniques ranging from sculptures to creative installations and paintings.
Works will be displayed by – Sam Allan, Harriet Beckettt-Butt, Maria Lukic, Kieran Mclean, Stacy Melvin, Nicole Pekhazis, Sophie Pontikis, Maria Toumazou, Ian Hanson, Rea Lazarides, Theresa Pross, and Philip Weaver.
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Samuel Beckett (1906-1989)
This exhibition will take place at The Leventis Municipal Museum Temporary Exhibition Hall which is at 17 Hippocratis str, Laiki Yitonia. Nicosia. Private reception 17th April then until the 6th May.
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Athina’s Berlin – in context
This exhibition opens tonight and will continue until the 28th April. It is presented by Argo Gallery but showing at Omikron g Gallery at Vasileos Pavlou 2, Nicosia (Tel 22754009 .)
Athina Antoniadou will show paintings while Marina Shacola – photographs.
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Annita Georgiou at Technis Dromena
Dr Vasos Lyssarides honorary chairman of the Social Democrats Movement (EDEK) and no mean painter himself will open the exhibition of Annita Georgiou on Wednesday 18th April at Technis Dromena Gallery. It will continue until April 28
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Ruptures of dialogue
Daphne Mavrovouniotis Trimikliniotis at Apocalypse
Daphne Mavrovouniotis Trimikliniotis has an exhibition at Apocalypse Gallery which will be opened on tonight at 7.30 p.m by the President of the House of Representataives Demetris Christofias and will continue until the 25th of the month.
Daphne Mavrovouniotis Trimiklinitotis was born in Limassol and emigrated to London in 1959, where she studied at Hornsey College of Art, Middlesex University. She spent 35 years in London.
She has had 14 solo exhibitions of her work in London, Greece and Cyprus, and took part in numerous group exhibitions. She is now the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts.
Daphne is returning to Nicosia after five years showing her work. Being aware of social and political issues influenced her creative process. Her anxieties and worries as well as her expectations and hopes, are reflected in her paintings.
New elements are being introduced into Daphne’s work, showing a new concept and philosophy. Elements, such as written dialogue, excerpts from love letters, words and slogans showing the general concern for the state of the world we live in, posing questions and trying to find answers for the way ahead.
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Don’t miss …
-- Mike Marshall at Pharos centre of Contemporary Art exhibits from 12 April until the 31st .
-- Eleni Meli exhibits at the Melina Mercouri until the 14th of the month. Last Chance
-- Nedi Sakellaropoulou has icons until April 21 at Gallery k
-- Susan Vargas Stefani at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca until 20 April
-- Marc-Alain Stamm has photographs at Leo Gallery 18 Amphitritis Street until 19th May. Tel 99511546 for personal appointment.
-- Raymond Wilson and Michael Turner at Dinos Art Cafe until Sunday April 15.
__ I believe Vera Hadjidis’s exhibition opens at Gloria’s on Tuesday the 17th of the month.
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Henri Cartier-Bresson
This superb exhibition of photographs at the Hellenic Bank Cultural Centre at the corner of Limassol and Athalassa Avenues, Nicosia has hopefully been extended until later in the month – tel 22441571 for the latest information on this possible extension.
It has been presented by Hathor Productions as part of the current Francophonie Festival. Give yourself a few hours to take in this brilliant show.
There are also book on Bresson which you can aquire.
Note what Jean Clair writes in his book "Europeans":
"I find it easy to imagine him as a student at Cambridge, daintily pouring out tea for Lady Fraser, with the practiced composure of the ethnologist he had already become, preparing himself at the beginning of the thirties for his campaign on the territory of the working class."
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Remember
Theatre Ena is also at Limassol (as well as Nicosia) and that is where "The Remains of the Day" Limassol is at on April 13 and 14. Limassol take note.
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photo captions
Colour
1. in pics "Freefall"
Freefall by Sophie Pontikis at the American International School exhibition at the Melina.
2: Daphne Mavrovouniotis- Trimikliniotis at Apocalypse from tonight
7: Poetic Response
Kyriakos Lyras from Monday at Opus 39 from Monday
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Black and white…
3: Athina’s Berlin
A photograph by Marina Shacola at Omikron g
4: Curves
Annita Georgiou at Tehnic Dromena
5: Samuel Beckett
The Levntis Municipal Museum
6: Henri Cartier-Bresson
at Hellenic Bank, Nicosia
ARTS
LIA

05 April 2007

2009-07-30T05:41:00.001-07:00

Sergiou Writes on Crossings
CHARALAMBOS Sergiou is an artist and an embryologist living and working in Nicosia and has written some notes on the Crossings exhibition at the Power House for the Arts Page."Being a collector, I love the flea markets and, as I have missed the opening (when one could actually buy something from the flea market installation) of the show, I missed the opportunity to mix two sensations. "Firstly, trying to read a contemporary work of art and at the same time choosing to buy something for my collection by browsing at the floor stalls. I normally feel intense doing both but separately. I would have loved to match my feelings towards the subject by doing both at the same time. "Fortunately I had the opportunity to listen to Didier Courbot’s talk about his flea market experiences two days before and of course as it is so with most contemporary works, any pre-discussion on the concept especially involving the artist him/herself, makes a difference to the way the viewer is confronting and interpreting the realised pieces.Congratulations to the curators Yiannis Toumazis, and Androulla Michael and Fabrice Flabutez for their excellent choice of works and for organising a half day pre-congress before the opening exhibition introducing the work to the public. "It turned out to have been a successful meeting offering translational facilities. As it was a very specialised field, I would not have expected art lovers to be present but I would have liked to have seen more artists being there."The shop with the flags by Panayiotis Michael was an interesting summary of some of his work (see the Polish artist Tadeusz Kantor April 6, 1915-December 8, 1990 whose curiosity shop in 1963 marked the beginning of the use of the idea of the shop as an installation). "Panayiotis’ line of thought is very much of today and although we did see too many "shops" cropping up as installations lately (that I start to get the feeling that it is often the easy way out) Panayiotis’ installation happens to fit very well the general theme of the exhibition. "It was very well positioned next to the flea market.Serap Kanay’s family tree is a fine example of serious research leading to an image. So much research in science is often lost in works and how impressive it is that art can give it life and a soul!“Moving to the second part of the show there are two exceptional works. "The work of Andreas Savva is Wow, visually and conceptually. Do not be content to see it in the catalogue, you have to see it on site."The second work by Daniel Le is a UN prefab shed filled up with soil wearing an olive tree – pure poetry – heavy and light, mysterious and yet approachable and suddenly I was not interested in knowing more about it, as it has given me enough visually. "Reluctantly, I moved to the next section of the show as if I did not want to lose the sensation of the aesthetics that I have just experienced."I have already seen Lia Lapithi’s. installation at Gallery Pantheon a few months back so I just enjoyed it optically; well positioned, separating the big room like a river. Opposite on the left hand side a short and sweet video by Servet Koeyigit on nationalism is a good example of video art and how it should be (quick to register and respecting the time of the viewer at the same time)."Sapountzis Yiorgo’s videos with much humour, which is essential even in such dead-serious themes a the ones raised by the curators of the show has given me hope that art will be forever and constantly updated. It has also shown me that the "video" medium still has a role to play in the art world."The installation by Stephanos Karababas and Katerina Attalidou is transcending time. One may choose not to see behind the cabinet but remember that curiosity does not always kill the cat. Please go in and discover the after-cabinet. "Once inside, you may choose to merely experience the flotation or you can even go deeper and try to read the artist’s mind as the piece has a first, second and third level of understanding. If you don’t have the time, go again to reach the third floor."A very serious work by Eric Valette concerning a cemetery deserves more looking into. We all carry with us very private moments in cemeteries and for some people these are more marked, in time, than in others."There are, of course, more works that deserve mentioning and I certainly need to visit the show again."On my way out I could not resist and I secretly stole a minute in Christodoulous Panayiotou’s piece and danced with my wife." Ch. S.

A poem by Ahmad Aicha
AHMAD Aicha is a Syrian Cypriot whose son, Adonis, lives in Cyprus with his mother Kyproulla. Ahmad read this poem of his on World Poetry Day at Castelliotissa on March 21. ADONIS I played guitarBut you proved to play it betterPerhaps because your fingers are slimmer than mine.I stopped paintingWhen I saw that your abstract art was intuitive and mine was notLike the African who carved wood figures better than PicassoOr the villager in the Caucasus who wove designs that could rivalAnything achieved by Paul Klee.When we were fishing togetherYour attention was caught by a mouse, rather than a fishJust as my attention strayed from physics to girls when I was studying.Remember, when you were three, and you said‘The moon is walking with us’? Did you think you were at the centre of the world?Adonis, physically you bear a resemblance to your motherBut your character is closer to mineTo what destiny will it lead you ?I called you Adonis, thinking you would be eternalAs love is eternal…..And also because it is easier for me to create a god, than to be one.Ahmad Aicha
Ruptures of dialogueDAPHNE Mavrovouniotis Trimikliniotis has an exhibition at Apocalypse Gallery which will be opened on Friday, April 13, at 7.30pm, by House President Demetris Christofias.It will continue until the 25th of the month.Daphne Mavrovouniotis Trimiklinitotis was born in Limassol and emigrated to London in 1959, where she studied at Hornsey College of Art, Middlesex University. She spent 35 years in London and has had 14 solo exhibitions of her work in London, Greece and Cyprus as well as taking part in numerous group exhibitions. She is now the President of the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts.Daphne is returning to Nicosia after five years. Here awareness of social and political issues influenced her creative process. Her anxieties and worries as well as her expectations and hopes, are reflected in her paintings. New elements are being introduced into Daphne’s work, showing a new concept and philosophy. Elements, such as written dialogue, excerpts from love letters, words and slogans showing the general concern for the state of the world we live in, posing questions and trying to find answers for the way ahead. Here is what she has to say:"Before us, a ruptured world is questioning its very existence. Words, phrases, slogans, people-moments and events, are twisting and turning in our confused minds"All these compose an ever-changing scenery. It’s a dream-like world, turning nightmare at times, and into reality at others. This is the most horrifying and at the same time, most miraculous issue: we live at the MOMENT, where, the visual encroaches upon the real. "And yet, we can no longer locate the boundaries between the real and the false. How can we imagine a true world in the fragments and reflections of a phony and superficial life where all is for sale?"This is the MOMENT I strive to capture: as it emerges through the excerpts of letters – testimonies from the soul, letters of passion swearing eternal, undying love and sacrifice, letters of despair from shattered dreams …. Words flying the air… This is the Moment which forces upon us who we really are by gazing at the past, and think about the future that lies ahead."This scenery I try to recreate, to reconstruct in the hope that we will somehow manage to rethink and re-imagine the world. For moments such as these are ruptures in the continuity of the world; they are ruptures in a dialogue with the past and a potential world of the future."They are a dialogue with life itself."
Double exhibitionDORA Oronti’s and Andros Pavlides’s show at Technis Dromena Gallery is unfortunately now over. Pavlides is new to exhibitions but paints with vigour and has a strong feeling for pigmental use. He loves representational themes and is fond of texture and colour. Dora Oronti is, I would say, the best abstract artist of her generation and shows several of her very new works. Excellent.
New Shows MIKE Marshall is at the Pharos Centre of Contemporary Art from April 12 until May 31.Eleni Meli exhibits at the Melina Mercouri from Tuesday April10-14.
Happy Easter
Photo captions

29 March 2007

2009-07-30T05:40:00.002-07:00

Nedi Sakellaropoulou, at Gallery k This exhibition continues until April 21. This is the first solo painting exhibition by Nedi Sakellaropoulou, who is respectfully following the path of the icon painting tradition of Cyprus, a country which can claim more than two hundred saints.And the artist follows the Byzantine canons and communicates the teachings of the Orthodox faith the way tradition hands it to us through the ages. She explains: "I grew up in an area with a rich tradition in Byzantine icon painting. The Solea valley, in the foothills of Troodos, is well known for its superb Byzantine churches which are protected by UNESCO as World Heritage sites. “In this environment, the natural beauty is in constant dialogue with the monuments created by human faith and it is here that I had my first contact with Byzantine iconography. “When I was very young I was visiting these unique churches and experienced their icons. "Their radiating peacefulness, their clean line, their symbolic elements and the strict rendering of the Saints aroused my interest and my curiosity."
Antonopoulos at Gloria’sAn exhibition of new works by Stavros Antonopoulos has already opened at Gloria’s and will continue until April 4.The artist shows dynamic large canvases often with the male nude reclining in splendour and drawn with great delicacy. Quite often a forbidding animal - such as a tiger or wolf – hovers expectantly. Very threatening, actually. There are also pillars with heads attached. All very theatrical, yet nearer to dreams perhaps. Brilliant draughtsmanship, quite disturbing. A high talent at his very best. Next at Gloria’s is Vera Hatzida on April 17.
CrossingsLAST Friday, elegant crowds of art lovers flocked from the earlier (and brilliant) Henri Cartier-Bresson ’Des Europeens’ exhibition at the Hellenic Bank high up on Athalassa Avenue to also see and enjoy the ‘Crossings – a contemporary view’ in the old town of Nicosia. Yiannis Toumazis has the right to be smiling. Proud indeed. The Power House is functioning again, and Manifesta is dead and buried. Cypriot Greeks and Cypriot Turks with other Europeans were exhibiting in the fabulous (almost on the Green Line) Power House, the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre /Pierides Foundation. Curators are Yiannis Toumazis, and Androulla Michael Flabutez. Earlier visitors also found time to pop in at nearby Stoa Aeschylou (75) where Panicos Tembriotis’s studio had been converted into an excellent exhibition called SPACE WALK at which Demetris Neocleous, Katerina Attalidou, Stefanos Karababas, Sofia Kakoulli, Costas Evangelides, Vicky Pericleous, Myrto Makrides and Panicos have exciting new work on display. Back at The Power House. Well! YOU MUST GO.It is on until May 20.I thoroughly enjoyed myself and ended up buying a ceramic bowl from one of the market stalls (indoors) in which I will replace my bitter lemons with my now sweetened sour grapes. Happy at last. Cypriot art is alive and well again. Crossings is a contemporary view and is the third section of the project "Crossings: Movements of People and Movement of Cultures: changes in the Mediterranean from Ancient to Modern Times" whose leader is the Pierides Foundation. The project is organised within the framework of the European Union programme Culture 2000 and it is implemented with the participation of Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy and France.
OpusShowFROM April 2-14, Marina Emphietzi Harris (oil paintings) and Celia Potoudis Macpherson (pottery) are at Opus.Marina Emphietzi-Harris has lived and worked in Dubai since 1989. Her initial passion was for realistic paintings and in these paintings which are mostly oil on canvas, she tries to capture elements of Nature using natural, earth colours and creating compositons such as of rock stones and water. In 1998, she won the prize of merit during an exhibition held at the City Centre Hotel. Marina is teaching oil painting at the new Dubai community theatre and art centre in Dubai. Celia Potoudis Macpherson was born and brought up in Cyprus, with long stints of living in Kenya and UK and now living in Dubai. Celia’s multi-cultural awareness is tangible present in her work. She came to pottery from an academic background and holds an MA from the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. Combining traditional hand building techniques with throwing on an electric wheel often on the same piece her current work demonstrates a fascination for tribal pattern work.
Discover CyprusThrough Art
DIACHRONIKI Gallery presents a new exhibition of contemporary art that will continue until April 7 at En Plo, the Municipality Exhibition Hall opposite Paphos Castle, yesterday and today through the arts and crafts.Works from Cypriot and visiting artists. The exhibition at Paphos explores the landscapes and people of the island, showing Cyprus as it was and how it is now. For further information, call 22680135. By the way, there are three Diachroniki galleries in the old town of Nicosia. Diachroniki Ledra, Arsinoe Street Diachroniki, Laiki Yitonia and Nea Diachroniki at Solonos 32.
Important workfrom Cubanartist
THE Weaver of Worlds exhibition at the North Hall of Famagusta Gate Gallery, Nicosia which had its vernissage on Monday, March 19 is by Cuban artist Jose Franco. The exhibition is on until March 30. Do not miss it. An exhibition full of energy with stunning surface textures and expressionistic forms. Jose Franco was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1956. After finishing regular schooling, he attended the San Alejandro Academy of Art in Havana, where he studied painting, drawing and history of art, obtaining a solid artistic and technical foundation. He has taken part in important exhibitions in Cuba, Argentina, Panama, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Uruguay, the United States as well as Europe and also international events and biennales. The subject which has always fascinated him is the relationship between ecology, technology and art; he has dedicated a great deal of study to all types of chromatic and pattern relationships to be found in as well as the relationship between man and animal, trying to achieve work which carry an appeal to preserve nature as well as convey its beauty, something which modern life does not always allow us.
Simply Cypruson showPRINT Art Consultancy Giclee prints, in association with Curium Gallery, Limassol, are holding their Fourth ‘Simply Cyprus’ art exhibition at the En Plo in Paphos Harbour from Monday, April 9 until Monday, April 16. Open daily from 10am until 7pm, this annual exhibition has become very popular with established artists, as well as up and coming artists who otherwise would not have an outlet in Cyprus.The theme of ‘Simply Cyprus’ encourages the artists to look at the diverse and beautiful surroundings to be found all over the island. This year there will be over 25 artists exhibiting and the exciting variety of both subject matter and style should appeal to most tastes.
Still on Susan Vargas Stefani, at Kypriaki Gonia, LarnacaThese are serious paintings; strong, poetic and related to personal experiences: delved deeply and painted with aesthetic confidence. Susan’s exhibition will continue until April 20.Liana Spanou-Zanti, at Heliotropio Gallery, Larnaca. The Other Side. A remarkable exhibition with a knowing glance at absurdities in the "fine art" section of aesthetics. Painted by an artist "who can not remain untouched by the significant worldwide shift towards consumerism." Continues until the 31st of this month. Tereza Pilava, at Opus 39 Tereza titles her exhibition Butterflies and it will continue until the 31st of this month.Andreas Tazou is exhibiting at Morphi Gallery, Limassol, until April 6, Richard Wilson and Michael Turner are exhibiting until April 15 at Dinos Art CafE Limassol. Ina Constantinidou has an exhibition of paintings at Kyklos gallery, Paphos until April 4. The Marc-Alain Stamm photographic exhibition ‘An Invitation to Travel" continues at18 Amphitritis Street until May 19. Moussoulides’ 40 Years Journey With the Light photographic exhibition is at Castelliotissa, Nicosia. This exhibition closes tomorrow and is dedicated to Pefkios Georgiades. Pegasus Art Foundation continues its new series "Myth and Icon" until April.This is at Art Studio 55 near the Rialto, Limassol.
Bronx OpenHouse This Sunday is open house at the Bronx Museum of the Arts.Lori Salmon, Media Coordinator, writes to the Arts Page to say: "Here and Elsewhere features a range of work by 36 artists from throughout the Metropolitan area, all of whom have participated in the most recent incarnation of Artist in the Marketplace (AIM)." One artist is Ketta Ioannidou. Does that ring a bell? Can’t wait for the panel discussion "Understanding Housing Policies in the Bronx" with a tour on Saturday, April 14 to discover a wealth of historic networks through a number of architectural gems along the Grand Concourse, by foot or bike. There’s also Total Chaos: The Art and Aesthetics of Hip Hop on May 4. But don’t miss Sunday April 1, 2pm to 6pm. We’ll all be there.
PromisingDora Oronti and Andros Pavlides at Technis Dromena Gallery This most promising exhibition was opened on Monday by Ambassador Erato Kozakou-Marcoulli . More next week.

22 March 2007

2009-07-30T05:40:00.001-07:00

Crossings: Wait for the blockbusterThe Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre is the setting for a huge contemporary art exhibition. Entitled Crossings, it is a contemporary view and is the third action in the project "Crossings: Movements of People and Movement of Cultures: Changes in the Mediterranean from Ancient to Modern Times" whose leader is the Pierides Foundation. The project is organised within the framework of the European Union Culture 2000 programme and taking part are Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy and France.The show’s curators are Yiannis Toumazis and Androulla Michael, assisted by Fabrice Flahutez.The opening takes place on Friday, March 23, at 8pm and it will close of May 20.The themes of Crossings are the cultural interactions between the Occident and the Orient through the movements – organised or not – of people, goods and ideas via the Mediterranean basin. Crossings is a touring exhibition of contemporary art, which will demonstrate how the new generations of artists from various Mediterranean countries perceive issues relevant to cultural contact and interaction. Using mainly new media and technologies, artists from all five countries involved in the project as well as from other Mediterranean countries (Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Egypt and Tunisia) will present their own experience and understanding of interaction between cultures.Interaction and dialogue are the main axis of the exhibition, as well as identity, national or individual, natural and/non-natural boundaries amongst people, the emblematic "Other" and finally death, which compromises a common place of reconciliation for all humans. These are the main themes that artists present in this exhibition. The different social and ethnic background of the artists guarantees a dynamic forum.The aim of the exhibition is to encourage the mutual understanding of differences and similarities amongst European citizens as well as people from other Mediterranean countries. In particular, the exhibition will attempt to bring to the surface the multicultural character of modern European societies, to stress the necessity of bridging the gap between communities and to urge the establishment of relations based on mutual trust and understanding between Europe, the Near East and the northern coast of Africa.Yiannis Toumazis and Androulla Michael, the curators of the exhibition, note:"This exhibition endeavours to bring together artists whose work contains the very idea of crossings in the world of today, where cultural output is striving to achieve a dynamic but at the same time controversial role It is obvious that the satiation prevalent in the traditionally great powers of Western Europe has created a stagnancy which inevitably leads to a regurgitation of creativity and a recycling of ideologies."Nothing new appears to be able to shock the increasingly aware and parched public."This exhibition endeavours to examine how a number of contemporary artists comprehend this notion of movements and crossings. It aims at recording opinions, at listening, and tries to possibly open a window to honest and frank meetings of both likes and opposites."The participating artists are:Vince Briffa, Malta. Lives and works in MaltaDidier Courbot, France. Lives and works in ParisJoseph Dadoune, Israel. Lives and works in Israel and EuropeMarcel Dinahet, France. Lives and works in FranceHaris Epaminonda, Cyprus. Lives and works in Nicosia.Serap Kanay, Cyprus. Lives and works in Famagusta.Stephanos Karababas and Katerina Attalidou, Cyprus. Live and work in NicosiaServet Kocyigit, Turkey. Lives and works in Amsterdam.Phanos Kyriacou, Cyprus. Lives and works in CyprusLia Lapithi, Cyprus. Lives and works in CyprusDaniel Le, France. Lives and works in Paris.Panayiotis Michael, Cyprus. Lives and works in Nicosia.Christodoulos Panayiotou, Cyprus. Lives and works in Cyprus.Francoise Parfait, France. Lives and works in Paris.Pierre Portelli, Malta. Lives and works in Malta.Yorgos Sapountzis, Greece. Lives and works in Berlin.Andreas Savva, Cyprus. Lives and works in Athens.Nasan Tur, Germany. Lives and works in Frankfurt and LondonEric Valette, France. Lives and works in Paris.
The Other SideLIANA Spanou-Zanti’s work can be seen at Heliotropio Gallery, Larnaca. A very lively exhibition, indeed, by an artist who can not remain untouched by the significant worldwide shift towards consumerism. This new wave has affected our society tremendously and, as a result, we inevitably as individuals have adopted unfortunately most of its negative aspects. In other words, we have all been trapped in an endless chase of consumer goods which only leads to hallucination and an imaginary happiness. Our behaviour has reached the limits of idolatry.The title chosen - "The Other Side" - stands for a revelation that dares to liberate human beings of today from their passions, whatever those might be, by helping them feel self satisfied, within the limits of their natural capabilities.This exhibition continues until March 31.
Rose Theatre and The CrucibleTHE New Rose Theatre presents "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller at Technochoros (ETHAL), Franklin Roosevelt Ave Limassol.There are performances on March 29, 30,31 and April 1, at 8pm. Telephone Wendy for reservations on 99058394 Bryan Ayres comments: ‘The Crucible’ has been acclaimed as the finest American play of the 20th century. It is set in Salem, Massachusetts an English settlement in the 19th century."It is a hard life for these strict Puritans. When some rebellious girls hold orgies they are accused of witchcraft. They in turn accuse their elders – and a full witch hunt ensues”.Arthur Miller wrote "The Crucible" during the McCarthy anti-communist "witch trials" 50 years ago.
Vargas in the corner SUSAN Vargas Stefani’s show continues at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca.Here are more comments (from last week) on her new work by the author and Professor of Art, Caroline Frances:"Yes, there is a going in circles, becoming light-headed, becoming misplaced only to find ourselves rooted in the vertical trees and of boats halfway asleep. "And the sky disappears by the height of the dense trees. "The sky is not where you expect it to be – it has become our skin. So, becoming lost is a way of finding oneself again; it is a journey through the river, blending into the horizons the strokes on canvas become colours, edges, the vertical, the horizontal - a coming back to discover oneself. "Here one encounters an obsession with space – dynamic negative space – which is not just a pretext for serenity – it simply is. Space is away of questioning the world and art itself - one that mingles, reassembles intuitively her surroundings. "Now it is the Amazon, its diverseness and time without end. An unconscious link of the tropical the Mediterranean juxtaposition; it is so subtle and clean, yet one succumbs to the oils as the different worlds mix and melt into each other. " Susan Vargas Stefani studied fine arts in Syracuse University, USA, Austria and Colombia, she has shown her work in many solo exhibitions and also participated in many group exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad Her exhibition was opened by Marios Miltiadou, General Manager Cyprus Petroleum Storage Company Ltd, on Wednesday, and will continue until April 20.
Weaver of Worlds THE Weaver of Worlds exhibition, by Cuban artist Jose Franco, is at the North Hall of Famagusta Gate Gallery, Nicosia, with the vernissage on Monday, March 19.A full report next week on this most important event.The exhibition ends on March 30. Do not miss it.
Very new showsDora Oronti and Andros Pavlides, at Technis Dromena Gallery, this most promising exhibition will be opened on Monday, by Ambassador Erato Kozakou-Marcoulis and will continue until April 3.Tereza Pilava, at Opus 39: Tereza entitles her exhibition Butterflies. It opened this week and will continue until March 31.Andros Tazou, at Morphi Gallery, Limassol: This can be seen until April 6.An exhibition of new works by Stavros Antonopoulos has already opened at Gloria’s and will continue until April 4.The exhibition of new works by Raymond Wilson and Michael Turner continues at Dino’s Art CafE 62-66, Irinis Street, Limassol, until April 15.Ina Constantinidou has an exhibition of painting at Kyklos Gallery, Paphos until April 4.
Demosthenis Kokkinidesat C K Gallery THIS new and spacious gallery is very near the Nicosia Cleopatra Hotel. The Greek artist Demosthenis Kokkinides, who I believe teaches painting at the Athens University Art School, captures space and light with exceptional clarity.While at the opening, I met Cypriot artist Stavros Kikas who studied under Kokkinides and he said to The Cyprus Weekly: "Look a second time and you see a lot of world and colour."
Economou shines at ApocalypseLEFTERIS Economou is at the Apocalypse gallery, in an exhibition of paintings by an artists of the second generation.Economou was born in 1930 and his full retrospective will continue until April 4.Here is the artist who could (and still can) be seen painting in the streets of the old city. He really observes and has a superb sense of colour. Not only this but look at his portraits. Excellent. There are many wonderful landscapes on view at Apocalypse, as well. A whole selection. Take your choice. Also an outstanding array of our coastal scenes, with fisherman at their work. Do visit.
Retrospective in Larnaca
Vasso Kyriaki is at the Municipal Art Gallery, Larnaca, with a wonderful retrospective that continues until April 15.It covers 50 years of her work. Dora Bakoyianni, Mayor of Athens writes: "Her particular and poetic work underlines the consistency, the persistence and the artist’s complete devotion to art as a creative intervention to society." This is a fully comprehensive retrospective.Here are some notes on Kyriaki’s work by Nellie Kyriazi, Director of the Municipal Gallery of Athens, where this fully comprehensive exhibition was first presented:"The painting of Vasso Kyriaki began in the atmosphere of the late Greek "modernite." Being a student of Georgiades and Moralis at the School of Fine Arts she turns already in her student works to abstract tendencies. The works of her student years at the school of fine arts, with their familiar subjects of the portrait, of the nude and of the landscape reveal the ease of a mature artist with the experience of taming space and of colour rather than the uncertain attempts of a student."The relation between reality and its representations seems to preoccupy Kyriaki timely enough: a speculation that will develop through her work into a creation of pictures of inverted range, autonomous pictures that challenge the reality to interpret them when she presented in 1987 the elaborate constructions with poor materials – a work of ten years - she won the interest and the positive comments of the critics. "Her research was correlated then with the combines of Rauschenberg, who had incorporated a bed and a stuffed animal in the painting surface of his works during the Sixties in the USA.“In the Seventies, Kyriaki turned to materials that have nothing to do with painting. They are rough, insignificant parts of our everyday routine, taken for granted in their self evident use. "Rubber from car tyres, wood, string, worn out fabrics, metal sheets: these are the raw materials for remodelling."This adventure with the materials lasted more than 20 years."At the beginning of 2000, Kyriaki returned to painting"The style, purified from expressionist tensions and minimalising the chromatic tools, re-examines the plastic values and the phenomenon of visual perception in different interpretations, without detracting anything from its subjectivity."This wonderful show continues until April 15 at the Municipal Gallery, Larnaca.

15 March 2007

2009-07-30T05:39:00.004-07:00

Lefteris Economou, at ApocalypseTHIS is an exhibition of paintings by an artist of the 2nd generation, Lefteris Economou, who was born in 1930 and now has a full retrospective at Apocalypse Gallery, Nicosia , It opened earlier in the week and will continue until April 4.
Weaver of worldsTHIS most important exhibition at the North Hall of Famagusta Gate gallery, Nicosia with the vernissage on Monday, March 19, is by Cuban artist Jose Franco.The opening addresses are by:Eleni Mavrou, Mayor of Nicosia, H.E. Mr Pablo Rodriguez Vidal, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Cyprus, George Perdikis, MP, Secretary General of the Cyprus Green Party and Nicholas Panayi, artist, Secretary of the Chamber of Fine Art Cyprus.The duration of the exhibition is from Tuesday the March 20 until 30. Do not miss it.
CROSSINGS - Wait for the Blockbuster
THE Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (The Old Power House) associated with the Pierides Foundation, have a huge contemporary art exhibition. Enitled Crossings, it is a contemporary view and is the third action of the project "Crossings: Movements of People and Movement of Cultures: Changes in the Mediterranean from Ancient to Modern Times" whose leader is the Pierides Foundation. The project is organised as part of the European Union’s Culture 2000 programme and it is implemented with the participation of Cyprus, Greece, Malta, Italy and France.Curators are Yiannis Toumazis and Androula Michael, while the assistant curator is Fabrice Flahutez.Opening: Friday, March 23, 8pm.Duration of the exhibition: March 23-May 20.(More next week, with full list of artists).A round table will be organised within the framework of the exhibition on Thursday, March 22, at the Amphitheatre hall of the Pancyprian Gymnasium in Nicosia (10am-2pm). Speakers, amongst others, will be Stephen Wright, philosopher and contributor to the Parachute magazine, Francoise Parfait, video theorist, artist and collaborator at the Georges Pompidou Centre, Brent Klinkum, curator and art critic, director of Transart (Caen) and the artists and the curators of the exhibition. During the workshop there will be instant translation in Greek, English and French.
Vasso Kyriaki in Larnaca THIS wonderful retrospective at the Municipal Art Gallery, Larnaca, continues until April 15 and covers 50 years of the work of Vasso Kyriaki. Dora Bakoyiannis, Mayor of Athens, writes: "Her particular and poetic work underlines the consistency, the persistence and the artist’s complete devotion to art as a creative intervention to society." More next week. This is a fully-comprehensive retrospective.

Susan Vargas Stefani
HERE are comments on Susan Vargas Stefani’s new work at Kypriaki Gonia Larnaca, by the author and Professor of Art, Caroline Frances: "Susan’s most recent work is a return to the ‘abstract’ although very much unlike her previous period, in which shapes touched one another symbiotically. "Her new work is surer of itself, more established, full of change and imbued with a confident abstraction. It has acquired a keen sense of the fragile world around her; matches her inner sensibility. Compounded, her work has evolved into elemental forms, grounded with a voice and strokes; she distils art into its essence (as well as multi-dimensionality)."These paintings, imbued by the Amazon basin, uncannily play with space. For her, space seems to be indeterminate and she confronts it with grace and rhythm; the vertical-trees, symbols, and then the horizontal – mainly shapes of boats and canoes – all infused by the strength of the river. "At times, she will revert from nature and simplicity to buildings and figures. Perhaps they become a counterpoint, signifying a contradictory world. "When there is movement, it is delicate and free, disorienting. Shapes, like the canoes, are brought together creating harmony, juxtaposed against a stark background. This in itself creates a melodic sense as colours inform, confuse and transform the viewer. "To look at the trees – that upward glance into infinity – makes one lightheaded and furthermore – the Amazon, the jungle, envelop the viewer, almost making one dizzy. "One feels the ancient Amazon transposed (juxtaposed) at the same time with the modern. Or just the inverse. She wants one to stare until you can feel and sense the jungle where one loses sense of cardinal points – north nor east or matter; it all seeps into freedom – it doesn’t matter who or where one is."Susan Vargas Stefani studied fine arts in Syracuse University, USA, Austria and Colombia, she has shown her work in many solo exhibitions and also participated in many group exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad Her exhibition will be opened by Marios Miltiadou General Manager Cyprus Petroleum Storage Company Ltd, on Wednesday, March 21 and will continue until April 20.

The Other Side
LIANA Spanou-Zanti writes of her work at Heliotropio Gallery, Larnaca.As an artist, I could not remain untouched by the significant worldwide shift towards consumerism. This new wave has affected our society tremendously and, as a result, we inevitably as individuals have adopted unfortunately most of its negative aspects. In other words, we have all been trapped in an endless chase of consumer goods, which only leads to hallucination and an imaginary happiness. Our behaviour has reached the limits of idolatry. We have forgotten our human nature and its basic needs, We have become and move like machines, like robots. The daily small pleasures of life and basic human relations have been eliminated and thus have become non-existent.The title chosen - "The Other Side" - stands for a revelation that dares to liberate human beings of today from their passions, whatever those might be, by helping them feel self-satisfied, within the limits of their natural capabilities."This exhibition opened on Wednesday, March 14, and continues until the 31st.

From the Darkness to the Light

NICHOLAS Panayi’s exhibition has opened at Alpha Gallery and continues until March 17. It is a MUST.Artist and critic Jane Walker writes more on Nicholas’s art :"Parallel with his projects are the developing works, where human faces are beginning to gaze out of the canvases – often emerging from a complex mesh of figures, the totality slowly revealing itself to the viewer and some are in this Darkness to Light exhibition. “We see an interesting development. A huge compassionate face dominates the composition, seeming to suffer all the troubles of the world, like the passion of Christ. Just as his figures are always stretching and struggling, Nicholas Panayi has been reaching towards this. “A human being is looking straight out at us. It may be something new for the artist: but tragedy, transgression and hope are as present as ever."

Last days
THE Seals, Rodoula Lioliou Anastasiou, at Studio Gallery, 65 Pericleous (Old Nicosia /Within The Walls). Angels, at Gallery k. This is continuing until March 17 and the gallery is aflutter with art under the theme angels. It has truly taken wing; wonderful, enlightening with an exceptional variety.

Kashalos at Opus 39
THAT excellent artist and teacher Susan Kerr was at the opening of this exhibition and jotted down some appreciative notes down for us on her invitation .No 3: A genuine abstraction in the textural rendering of the cornfield – shifts of compositional balance with diagonal movement in the sheaves of corn. Clear cut figures on a textural background.No 8: Rich detail and texture giving depth and substance to the composition. Clear narrative showing the making of the basket from canes in the field. Delightful.No 12: Charming rendering of the almond blossom – great design – and this brings the beauty of the natural environment in Cyprus - home to us.No 19: Lovely winter atmosphere and rich texture in landscape.Susan considers the work generally covers all aspects and acrivities of Cyprus tradition.The next exhibition at Opus 39 is Butterflies, by Tereza Pilavi, opening on Monday, March 19.
Yiannis Pelekanos THE lovely Ledras gallery is right in the middle of old Nicosia, an extension of the other Diachroniki gallery in town and the Dhali Gallery.It is here that Yiannis Pelekanos has his new show.First Lady Fotini Papadopoulou opened the exhibition.It continues until March 27.
Panos Stephanides A SUPERB exhibition of paintings with an almost Pollockian love of painterly values. They flow. They get caught and composed. They delicately swing between humour and horror. Is this the mood of the times? All on the verge of change. In safe aesthetical hands.
Eraclis Mavrommatis at Technis Dromena
THIS exhibition will continue until March 17.The artist was born in Nicosia. He studied photography in keeping with the family tradibtion, working for 25 years from manual to digital photography.At the same time, he also took up painting and combined the two arts to produce photography with collage, with painting and works of painting with photographic input.Eraclis has taken part in 3 group exhibitions in Greece and Cyprus.‘Naked Truth is the title of his second solo exhibition where "through a blending of arts he takes us on a trip of human shapes".A very lively show. Figuration is certainly making a triumphant comeback.
Hadjisavvas
EXCELLENT use of texture with rich detail by Erato Hadjisavvas at Gloria’s. Great understanding of use of paint. Variety, too. Yet another new talent.
Dinos Art Cafe RAYMOND Wilson and Michael Turner, both members of the Cinema 1 group, are exhibiting at Dinos Art CafE in Irinis Street, Limassol (close to the castle).This will run until April 15. Must get down to Limassol. The show has much promise.
Ingar Gullers returns THAT most positive of artists from Sweden, Ingar Gullers, is here again, at Larnaca. She will exhibit her lovely paintings at Kition Hotel/Apts 35 King Paul Square, Larnaca, from Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, from 12-5pm.

08 March 2007

2009-07-30T05:39:00.003-07:00

Alpha GalleryNicholas Panayi’s exhibition, From the Darkness to the Light, opened on Tuesday at Alpha Gallery and continues until the 17th of the month.On Tuesday March 13, of the month at 7.30 p.m. the artist will give a lecture on the subject "Expressionist Influences".Artist and critic Jane Walker writes on Nicholas’s art:Nicholas Panayi is an artist of the human figure, encompassing all its physicality, humanity and spirituality. The human being, no less. It is a huge subject, which some might call the greatest of challenges. Who art we? Who am I? Why….?A while ago I was sitting with him in Au Bon Plaisir talking about living the working life of an artist. We agreed about some essential preconditions for making art which we called the "five Hs": honesty, hunger, humanity and – a slightly cheating one but you can’t leave it out – hard work. Not only does Panayi aspire to all these conditions but he meets them with continual reassessment and redefinition. Honesty means never making a mark that could have arisen out of automatic gesture rather than intention. Humility is the only approach that suppresses the ego and connects the artist to the universal. Hunger is not of the body but that appetite of the spirit for artistic expression which must be satisfied. Humanity is the connection with our fellow man which moves us through compassion to expression. Finally, hard work, which is a commitment not just of one’s time but every atom of energy one can summon.That energy is there in the powerful sense of future and onward momentum in Panayi’s work. His ideas develop so fast that it seems he is always on the threshold of new discovery. In recent years, we have seen his work move through many modulations encompassing the use of light in various ways, live music and video projection – all ventures into media that add depth to pre-existing visions and not at all a kind of experimentation for its own sake or a slavish following of artistic fashion. Although there is a steady evolution, looking back over his whole output, it becomes clear that the work always has a consistency, belonging within tradition but with a handwriting so strong and sui generis that one could virtually never mistake one of his paintings for that of another artist. “Of a recent exhibition he said: "Try and see it as a whole and see what it does to you. That’s what I advise." “I could second that advice. I remember at the opening of the Generations exhibition in 2004, standing in a space filled with work, feeling that combined energy and passion of all those rhythmically linear figures and almost hearing the paintings crying out the same message to the world: hope – another word beginning with H that is rather more specific to Panayi. The viewer sees tragedy, then transgression, and is moved to hope.Nicholas Panayi has lived through a time when his home on the island of Cyprus was never without struggle and human conflict or the day to day reality of the ‘Cyprus Problem.’ His art speaks to this struggle and the tragic condition of the ‘hurt generations’ affected by the war. He makes a response while only occasionally treating the subject in any literal sense. Central to his work is the desire for peace and reconciliation in the world in general as well as Cyprus in particular. The purpose of his work is not to record and rebuke but to arouse emotion and sensitise the viewer …."Even though I use these so called negative events that are happening," Panayi says, "I think the message eventually is positive."

The SealsRODOULA Lioliou Anastasiou presents The Seals at Studio Gallery. This is at 65, Pericleous, within the walls of Old Nicosia.It will be opened on Saturday, March 10 (tomorrow) at 7.30pm by Nicholas Panayi, and will continue until March 16.Through the use of mixed media, Rodoula Lioliou Anastasiou will present her paintings. Her search for "The Seal" takes both a concrete and symbolic form, revealing all aspects of its understanding and existence. The introversive struggle between the rare virtues and the vices, in desperate hope that the first will succeed, has a direct and indirect effect in human relationships from generation to generation. This individual, self-gnostic attempt for a catharsis and understanding of self-existence is the balance between the rational and spiritual, the overpowering of "good over evil"."
Mavrommatisat TechnisERACLIS Mavrommatis has photographs at Technis Dromena Gallery.Pablo Rodriguez, the Ambassador of Cuba opened this exhibition, which will continue until March 17 and will be covered next week.Eraclis Mavrommatis was born in Nicosia. He studied photography in keeping up with the family tradition, working 25 years from manual to digital photography.At the same time he also took up painting and combined the two arts to produce photography with collage, with painting and works of painting with photographic input.Eraclis has taken part in 3 group exhibitions in Greece and Cyprus."Naked Truth" is the title of his second solo exhibition where "through a blending of arts he takes us on a trip of human shapes".
30 GloriousyearsLAST Friday Gloria Kassianides celebrated 30 years of her reign as Queen of Galleries of Contemporary Art. She holds second place (only) to the Nicosia Museum for historical value. There we all were. All the hundreds of gallery goers photographed by her during exhibitions. If you are not in this photographic exhibition where on earth have you been? The stunning (really stunning) show of "all our creative lives" caught by Gloria’s candid flash is (was – it’s all down now) surely the exhibition of the year. There must be a book. Books, in fact. With many (extra) discs to be placed safely in/on our archeological sites, for posterity to appreciate what really went on and what we looked like in this vital period of the island.Next at Gloria’s: Erato Hadjisavvas.Inter-disciplinary performance‘ON WEIGHT’ an inter-disciplinary piece inspired by fragments from Jeanette Winterson’s book " Weight" will have its Premiere on Sunday, March 11, at 8.30pm at the RIALTO THEATRE, LimassolThere will also be performances in Nicosia on March 30 and 31 at Ayios Andreas Market Theatre It is part of the Cyprus Dance Platform, organised by the Cyprus Ministry of Culture.For more information, phone the Rialto theatre on 25 343900 or 77 77 27 17

Another Assia manIN ADDITION to the exhibition of Kyriacos Michael Kashalos, son of the naOve painter Michael Chr. Kashalos, another artist from Assia is exhibiting in town. This is Yiannis Pelekanos, whose exhibition opened last Friday at Diachroniki Gallery, Ledras.This lovely gallery, which is right in the middle of old Nicosia is an extension of the other Diachroniki Gallery in town and the Dhali Gallery. Last Friday Fotini Papadopoulou opened the exhibition by Yiannis Pelekanos.The artist was born in Assia in 1937. He attended Assia Primary School from 1945 to 1951, but was unable to continue his studies due to financial difficulties within the family. Thus, he ended up following the tradition of that period and became a builder, and at a later stage, a building contractor. He is an entirely self-made man who transforms his memories of occupied Assia into painting. With nostalgia, he describes neighbourhoods that no longer exist; the habits, traditions and hard labour of the inhabitants of Assia, whilst continuing to look to the future.He has had ten personal exhibitions since 1989 and has also taken part in many group exhibitions.The exhibition continues until March 27.
Angels at Gallery kCONTINUING until March 17. The gallery is aflutter with art under the theme Angels. It has truly taken wing; wonderful, enlightening with an exceptional variety.
Panos Stephanidesat ApocalypseA SUPERB exhibition of paintings with an almost Pollocian love of painterly values. They flow. They get caught and composed. They delicately swing between humour and horror. Is this the mood of the times? All on the verge of change. In safe aesthetical hands. Is this really the last day?

01 March 2007

2009-07-30T05:39:00.001-07:00

Here againArt Aware is at the Goethe Zentrum.This month’s Art Aware is on Sunday, March 4, at 7pm.Carla Abrantes is a Portuguese artist who has recently set up a studio in Cyprus, after dividing her career between her country of origin and the United States. Her work displays contemporary awareness, whether in its visual language, conceptual platform or usage of materials. The work process is usually quite long, studied and intricate, involving an exaggerated sense of layer in the formal results and main idea. In her last series of work the main materials have been paper, vellum, fabric and plexiglass in order not only to produce two dimensional work but also installation pieces and performance. Whether two, three or four dimensional, Carla Abrantes’s body of work focuses on peripheral issues of change, about internal and external processes of transition which usually perspire in deep conflict. The artist uses her own life episodes as base-examples for displaying the poetry and the contradictions of the rituals of change, loss trauma and un-healed memory. She has yet to exhibit in Cyprus (apart from her own studio space) but is preparing her first solo show in Nicosia to take place in October of the current year at Argo gallery. Atesh Kozal graduated from the Radio, TV and Film Studies Department, experimenting with video. Some time later he found himself showing his video projects in the exhibitions as video art. "In Art Aware I will show and talk about three video projects. The first is ‘Wish You Were Not Here’. "I produced it for the EMAA Exhibition in 2005 with the concept of ‘Island/Border’. "The whole video is shot in a small box, its size is about 10cm X10cmX10cm. I used symbols to describe the division. In the video there is war, division, the power that other countries have over Cyprus, struggle of reunification, religion, referendum and media. "It was also shown in France in an exhibition called Chypre/Cyprus and it attracted a lot of attention there."The second video is "Gece Boyle Biseymi?" It’s a video that I produced for the EMMA exhibition in 2006 with the concept of "Dalgada Bulut". It’s a phrase that you say if someone is drunk. Visually the movie is just a sunrise. There is this man watching the sunrise and talking to himself and he is totally drunk. “What he is saying is that he is not sure if the sunrise is the morning of the night that he got lost or if it’s the morning after some other nights.“The third video is "Dance". I have been DJ-ing for many years and see people dance. I wanted to make an entertaining video about social dance and also make music for it. “It was shown in Erdogan Uzunahmet’s studio in at the opening of Buyuk Khan.“I also make the visuals for our band, DEEP. It’s a kind of video performance synchronised with music in the concerts, It’s all about the visual reflection of what we are saying with the music. “So, you can also find a couple of music videos at Art Aware this month."
DemetrisConstantinouDemetris Constantinou exhibition at Gloria’s closes today. Here are some comments on the artist and his work by Dr Antonis Danos.Demetris Constantinou is a member of the generation of Cypriot artists born in the inter-war period, a group of whom aimed, from the late 1950s through the early ’70s, for the ‘synchronisation’ of Cypriot art with international developments. This process came to an abrupt end with the events of 1974. When Cypriot art returned to a state of ‘normalcy’, at around 1980, most of these artists produced work that not only did not follow international artistic expressions any more, but, on the contrary, constituted a ‘conservative’ regression, in relation to what they had created in the pre-1974 era.Constantinou is among the few exceptions. His post-1974 work, though no longer aiming at following current international developments, amounts to a smooth progression from his 1960s creations and, at the same time, a very interesting case of modernist sculpture, which successfully claims a place in the contemporary era.Constantinou’s first encounter with the international avant-garde took place with his ‘articulated’ or ‘mobile’ sculptures, from the 1960s and onwards. During the same decade, another part of his work developed in parallel to international Minimalism, both with the repetition of geometric forms and volumes, as well as with the exploration of the interaction between these forms and volumes with the surrounding space.In the post-1974 era, he continued the explorations and expressions of his earlier work, moving, at the same time, toward new ones. From the late ’70s and, especially, the early ’80s onwards, his sculpture acquires a new, monumental character, which is manifested in works where geometric volumes dominate.In this later work by Constantinou, compact, solid volume takes centre place, and now greater emphasis is placed on the solidity and robustness of the material itself. The focus is on the ‘presence’ of the material, whether in relation to form or with regard to the presence of the object in space. The latter element was given prominence among the artist’s explorations, with the geometric volumes deconstructing or developing in space. Thus the works give the impression of constituting stills from an on-going process of deconstruction and reconstruction of (geometrically defined) matter in the void.This process calls upon us to reconsider our views on, and ways of perceiving both the form and volume of the piece, and the surrounding space, as well as the interaction between them.The entire oeuvre by Constantinou constitutes a very important contribution to the development of the art of sculpture.Constantinou’s current exhibition at Gloria’s continues until tonight Friday, March 2, which is also the 30th anniversary of the first opening of Gloria Gallery. See you there. Snaps of the past on the wall. From Tuesday, March 6, there will be an exhibition of work by Erato Hadjisavva to be opened by the Bishop of Kykko at Gloria Gallery.
Andreas at AlphaANDREAS Karayan is at Alpha Gallery. First presentation in Cyprus of the artist’s work that represented Cyprus at the 49th Venice Biennale. Continuing until March 3.Art historian Niki Loizidou writes:"These works should not be viewed as portraits of young handsome men, which are characterised by intense and remote melancholy. These faces here are something like "maps of the world", psychographies, and simultaneously are unknown, enchanting and mysterious, earthly and at the same time unearthly landscape."Here, discreet sensuality co-exists freely with the deeply experienced feeling of the end and with melancholy. It is a tribute to life through death, about a condensing of memory from images, rites of worship and experiences, very deep and very distant, which converse with death without fear, but also without expectation. "Here, I meet a brave, dignified and deeply poetic acceptance of death that brings me closer to ur Byzantine icons and even to those exquisite classical Greek funeral steles."These works make me think that the feeling of melancholy comes at precisely the moment of great joy, of the almost absolute culmination of joy."
Vassilis Karakatzanis at ArgoTHIS outstandingly brilliant exhibition is titled "Urban Materials and the Unknown Land" and continues until March 10. Entirely original.Vassilis is a very welcome visitor, indeed, always turning up from Greece with new ideas that relate and impress. Exceptional colour with sensitive application.It is also a rare occasion. There is something entirely new in certain works.The artist appears to be moving into a phase of painting which I have never experienced before. You could call it post Vassarely or post-Bridget Riley, or, op art goes representational.Go to Argo for a visual awakening.
Marlen in Transition MARLEN Karletidou has an art exhibition and improvisation dance and music event at Pantheon Gallery.The new work, under the title Transition, is that of a mature painter whose thoughts and problems concerning opportune matters create the image direct, with fantasy and unexpected surrealistic elements. People, butterflies, birds, animals and psychic creatures mix and mingle, play and dream in a continuous flow of movement.The idea of the artwork came out at the moment of the opening between the two parts in Nicosia, at the Ledra Palace barricade. At that point, which the painter named the Little UN Blue and White House, many kinds of feelings, emotions and meetings came up in a concentrated moment giving singularity in the place, space and time. The Transition is completed in many different ways.Following the opening at 9pm there was an original artistic event at which the figurative arts met with music and dance. The musician Agni Sakka and the choreographer-dancer Evi Dimitriou infiltrate in the new figurative work of Marlen Karletidou, they become spectators and witnesses of new reality and self improvisation with ancient sounds and movement that comes straight from the soul.Agni Sakka used musical implements, such as the didgeridoo, India crust and Tibetan bowls in rhythms that spring from depths of the ground and expres the various races of the planet. At the same time, Evi Dimitriou self improvised dancing within the forms of modern and creative dance.This was a wonderful evening. The paintings are of an exceptionally high standard, full of empathy, brilliant colour and a deep, deep message.Marlen’s Pantheon show continues until March 11.She was born in Nicosia in 1961. She studied painting at the Athens University, School of Fine Arts between 1979 and 1985. Marlen lives and works in Cyprus and has exhibited her work in solo shows in Cyprus and participated in group exhibitions both in Cyprus and abroad (Greece, France, Switzerland, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, China, U.S.A.)The artist was awarded a prize in drawing at the 18th Biennale of Alexandria, Egypt.More next week with some visuals.
All Women4 You THE "Pegasus Art Foundation" to mark Woman’s Day, still have an exhibition continuing at Art Studio, 55 Heroes Square, until Saturday, March 10.Their positive blurb mentions that the newer generation of women artists was shaped in the decades of 1980-2000 and they constitute the expression of Newer Art; bold enough to exceed the cultural isolation and hemming that is imposed by our small space, and articulate a word in the new European multi-cultural environment in dialogue with all nationalities.Pegasus AF wishes particularly to promote the creations of women artists and has organized the project "All Women 4 You" and will establish it as an annual event.-
In memory of Michael Chr. Kashialos (1885 -1974)This exhibition, at Opus 69, of naive painting will be opened by the President of the Pierides Foundation, Demetris Z. Pierides at 7.30 on Monday.Kyriacos Michael Kashialos was born in 1931 in Ashia and is the son of the naOve painter Michael Chr Kashialos. After finishing primary school in Assia, he tried his hand at various occupations. He took up art after 1967, having observed his father’s career and accompanying him to various exhibitions. His work depicts traditional customs as well as scenes from his village rural life. His exhibition continues until March 17.

Last daysPAMBOS Mirianthous’exhibition of paintings at Kyklos Art gallery, Paphos continues until March 2.Katie Sabry and Kelly Norman continue at Dino’s Art CafE, Limassol Old Town with "Coast Town" until March 4.Don’t miss the angels at Gallery k. Apocalypse, Panos Stephanides: A superb exhibition of paintings is on at Apocalypse by Panos Stephanides. They have an almost Pollocian love of painterly values. They flow. They get caught and composed. They delicately swing between humour and horror. Is this the mood of the times? All on the verge of change. In safe aesthetic hands.
Angels at Gallery kCONTINUING until March 17, the gallery is packed with art under the theme ANGELS. It has truly taken wing; wonderful, enlightening with an exceptional variety.

22 February 2007

2009-07-30T05:38:00.003-07:00

Demetris Constantinou, Gloria Gallery
THIS is a superb exhibition by Dimitris Constantinou. As Haris Kambourides, curator of the Museum of Modern Greek Art writes in a new excellent book “Dimitris Constantinou” edited by Voula Kokinou and Savas Kokkinos for En Tipis writes:“What deeper messages are offered us today, at the dawn of the 21st century, by the works and route of a modern sculptor? What is the relationship of geometry to our experiences and our fate?What is the specific and also international importance of an artistic deposition which developed with such success in Greece, Cyprus and the broader European stage?The biggest part of Constantinou’s work is geometric art. Shapes like the square and the circle are illusory, outside the natural form that we come across every day life. Usually they declare an art that is abstract, cerebral, laboratory like. It is true that geometry is an old cience born, it is said in ancient Egypt, when the floods of the Nile destroyed field boundaries, and mathematicians developed methods with which they could find them after the waters had returned to the river bed.On the other hand, geometry is not just a menal pursuit but also experimental, since it applies to natural space an concerns the users, us humans who live in it. At the same time it hides inside of it movement, opposing directions, life itself. While writing these observations I immediately feel that they concern Constantinou’s work His geometric forms contain man, it is not abstraction for the sake of abstraction, form for the sake of form.The vocabulary: Vision, touch, understanding, feeling and materials”.There is another period of his work which is different. After the terrible events of 1974 the artist showed in the foyer of the Nicosia Municipal Theatre. They were sculptures of army shirts; crumpled and torn. He an be an artist for all seasons.His current exhibition continues until Friday the 2nd of March which is also the anniversary of the first opening of Gloria Gallery.
Angels, Gallery K
CONTINUING until the 17th of March the gallery is packed with art underthe theme Angels.It has truly taken wing; wonderful, enlightening with an exceptional variety. Good to see that Christina Constantinou Giusti who lives in Italy and is a daughter of Demetris Constantinou is participating with a couple of beautiful imaginative pieces.Since opening its door in Nicosia in 1999, Gallery k has invited artists to participate in themed group shows. The theme gives them an inspirational idea, and this year’s - which also celebrates St. Valentine’s day is The Angel. Drawings, paintings, sculpture, ceramics and photography by 30 artists, bringing to the exhibition their own fascinating ideas.“For mellennia The Angel has been a recurring mage in the visual artsof any civikizations and culture - from the earliest Sumerian images of 4000 BB to the great Gothic cathedrals of Europe. The Symbolism is at itsmost elaborate in the Islamic, jewish and Christian faiths. Supernatural winged deities in human form, they appear in many different roles; as god-like messenger of divine orders, as the personification of inspiration, ecstasy and love - sacred or profane. They can be protective guardians, or the les welcome angels of death.Today, the concept of The Angel has transmuted into song lyrics, TV shows, cinema foods and advertising campaigns. Yetdespite all the angel’s aqn embodiment of purity prevails andstill has the power to evoke awe and wonder.This exhibition contains something for everyone. A captivating collection of imaginative poetic and powerful images, eloquently demonstrating that The Angel is a true testament to the universal power and fascinating of artistic creation.
Archetypal LandscapeJohn Warren, Kypriaki Gonia LarnacaTHESE expert landscapes are beautifullly observed. There are some abstract ones too which is a leasing development for the subject. The exhibition continues until the 27th of the month.
TransitionMarlen Karletidou, Pantheon GalleryART Exhibition and Improvisation Dance and Music Event.Pantheon Gallery is to host Marlen Karletidou’s art exhibition tomorrow Saturday 24th February at 7pm.The new work by the artist Marlen Karletidou under the title Tansition is one of a mature painter whose thoughts and problems concerning opportune matters create the imagedirect, with fantasy and unexpected surrealistic elements.People, butterflies, birds, animals and psychic creatures mix and mingle, pay and dream in a continuous flow of movement.Theidea of the artwork came out at the moment of the opening betwween the two parts in Nicosia, North-South, at the Ledra Pallace barricade. At the point, which the

16 February 2007

2009-07-30T05:38:00.001-07:00

Art aware
On a very cold night the other Sunday it was warm and cosy at the Goethe – Zentrum, 21 Markos Drakos Ave’ next to the Ledra Palace Hotel , Nicosia . This month’s two artists were Martin Meason and Heidi Trautmann.Martin was born in the U.K. and studied painting at Wimbledon School of Art from 1989 -92 and has lived in Cyprus since 1996.Hedi Trauman says she is a traveller and since her childhood has been a traveller and storyteller. She was born in Koenigsberg in Eastern Prussia. In Germany she studied art in the studio of artist Rolf Markl for three years and had some joint exhibitions. The artist showed some wonderful slides of people she had drawn or painted. Full of character. Very free in spirit yet expertly drawn. Heidi also showed some fine landscapes and has exhibited her work here (solo) as well as written two books with a third one in preparation.Martin Meason says that the subject of his paintings has tended to come from his immediate surroundings, the architect of his flat and studio, the views from his window, things that he experiences everyday.He uses photo-based images quite frequently, often emphasizing the mechanical characteristics of the medium, blur, camera, shake, under/over exposures etc.In other works, he said he has experimented with distortion based on imperfect reflections and more recently a process of cutting or tearing pieces of wood, cardboard and paper that have been painted with basic grid design. He is often working with oppositions of inside and outside or intimate and vast and tries to place his work in a kind of middle ground between the two.Although I have seen Martin’s work in the "Inside The Walls" annual exhibitions and his participation in mixed or joint shows, as far as I know he has never had a one-person exhibit. It’s about time he did. He understands SPACE more than any other artist around here.
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Archetypal Landscape
Landscape artist John Warren’s exhibition continues at Kypriaki Gonia in Larnaca until the 27th of the month. The artist has titled the exhibition "Archetypal Landscape" which will demonstrate how he is equally confident in acrylic, pastel and watercolour.Kypriaki Gonia has explained that apart from his topographical paintings visitors will also get a preview of some recent developments with a series of paintings which explore various avenues into abstraction . During the exhibition the whole work of John will be on the website: www.gallerykypriakigonia.com.cyJohn Warren was born in Boston, England and studied graphic design at St Martin’s School of Art, London from 1969-1973. This was followed by post graduate studies in illustration at Manchester Polytechnic.Between 1974 and 1980 the artist worked as an illustrator and art editor in book publishing both in Manchester and London.Since moving to Cyprus in 1980 he has concentrated on painting the local landscape in all its moods and seasons. He draws constant inspiration from the Cyprus landscape with its endless variety of shape, contour and contrast. The strong Mediterranean light and the mysterious atmosphere and evanescence of late afternoon are recurring themes in his work.The exhibition will be John’s seventh solo show in Cyprus. Over the years he has also participated in numerous group exhibitions both in Cyprus and UK with EKATE and others. His paintings can be found in private collections in Cyprus, Greece, France, Germany, U.K. NewZealand and the USA.The exhibition continues until the 27th of the month.
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Copperwork and Mosaic
Carving, Copperwork and Mosaic exhibition by Yiannoula Savva at Gallery Tehnis Dromena , Strovolos (Tel 22496398) The exhibition continues until the 17th of the month ************

Transition at Pantheon Gallery
Art Exhibition and Improvisation Dance and Music Event
Pantheon Gallery is to host Marlen Karletidou’s art exhibition on Saturday 24th February at 7 p.mThe new work by the artist Marlen Karletidou under the title Transition is one of a mature painter whose thoughts and problems concerning opportune matters create the image direct, with fantasy and unexpected surrealistic elements People, butterflies, birds, animals and psychic creatures mix and mingle, play and dream in a continuous flow of movement.The idea of the artwork came out at the moment of the opening between the two parts in Nicosia, North and South, at the Ledra Pallace barricade. At that point, which the painter named the Little UN Blue and White House, many kinds of feelings, emotions and meetings came up in a concentrated moment giving singularity in the place, space and time.All these images were the beginning for the new paintings. Painted on red jeans with acrylic colours, sometimes using mixed materials, the pictures take us away, exploding in usual red until we discover a new light and a new reality we can sink in it and dream.The 3D Caravan of the Butterflies fills the seven paintings in the exhibition room and stands as well as an installation on its own. The Caravan with the butterflies and the many mirrors symbolizes the eternal journey of the souls. Nature’s elements such as butterflies, birds and flowers, and symbols of our subconscious world derive from the seven paintings.The Transition is completed in many different ways, but the spectator’s participation is necessary.Following at 9.00 pm at the opening there will be an original artistic event where the figurative arts meet with music and dance. The musician Agni Sakka and the choreographer – dancer Evi Dimitriou infiltrate in the new figurative work of Marlen Karletidou, they become spectators and witnesses of new reality and self improvisation with ancientsounds and movement that comes straight from the soul..Agni Sakka uses musical implements such as the didgeridoo, India crust, Tibetan bowls in rhythms that spring from depths of ground ad express the various races of the planet. At the same time Evi Dimitriou will self improvise dancing within the forms of modern and creative dance.Her Pantheon show continues until 11 MarchMarlen Karletidou was born in Nicosia in 1861. She studied painting at the Athens University, School of Fine Arts in Greece between the years 1979 -1985’ Marlen lives and works in Cyprus and has exhibited her work in solo shows in Cyprus and participated in group exhibitions both in Cyprus and abroad (Greece, France, Switzerland, Egypt, United Arab Emirates, China, U.S.A.) The artist was awarded a prize in drawing at the 18th Biennale of Alexandria, Egypt in 1994.
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Feryal Sukan at Diachroniki
The Press release says that the exhibition is of "The Female Form" and illustrations suggest they will be sensuous and emotional, frontal and well painted. "Feryal is a natural, sincere artist, whose passion for art and life is portrayed in a poignant and direct manner through her work. In her current theme she draws the viewer into the deeper world of the feminine psyche, with flowing female forms, in alluring muted tones of colour and texture. Her sad and tormented women, rendered in a subtle and at times emotionally provocative manner , create feelings of empathy, despair and a resolve to face adversity with courage and determination.This exhibition is indicative of Feryal’s progression towards artistic maturity, which augers well for the future."
Until 27 February at Diachronki on Ledra St.. .Open daily except Sundays.
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Demetris Constantinou at Gloria GalleryThis exhibition by the great sculptor Demetris Constantinou opened on Monday the 12th of February and will continue until the 2nd of March. Full report next week.
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Restless reflections
Nilgun Guney and Osman Keten are at Opus 39 until 17th of the month"The reflections of inner and environmental dilemma. Especially living on an island which has an unsettled and uncertain situation and living in a world which needs struggle for human rights and all other rights. We tried to put out our restless thoughts and contradictions and transform these contradictions into an art form. Although one of us is a woman and the other is a man and maybe has a different point of view, we have similar (like all human beings) anxieties for life. One can see the differences of technique in our art but also can see the similarity in the concept we try to bring out"Nilgun Guney: Beautifully executed work with internal themes, alive with interest. There are "things" going on in these works with not a scrap of spare space for decorationThey register a deep understanding. A wide range of mood too. Osman Keten: Excellent abstracts, strong , resiliant and highly sensuous. A superbly balanced exhibition. Top standard
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Charalambous Themistocleous at Opus 39
This exhibition will open on Tuesday 20th February, continuing until 3 March.The artist was born in Morphou. He studied painting and sculpture at the Higher School of Art in Athens 1970-1975 with a scholarship where he obtained 4 awards. He now lives and woks as a professor in Patras, Greece. Themistocleous will be exhibiting powerful figurative work with great colour and luscious pigment
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Take note-- Efstathios Efstathiou will open the Pambos Mirianthous exhibition of paintings tonight, Friday 16th February at 7 pm at "Kyklos" Art Gallery, Paphos.. It will continue until 2nd March-- The Limassol Carnival goes on until the 18th of the month.. Remember the Limassol Municipality in collaboration with the Limassol Union of Self-educated Painters have organized an exhibition for this 2007 Carnival.-- George Koumouros at Morphi Gallery until the 17th of this month. -- Emin Cizenel at Argo and Umit Inatci at Apocalypse close on Saturday the 17th of February.

8 February 2007

2009-07-30T05:37:00.002-07:00

A LostMomentEmin Cizenel’s exhibition at Argo Gallery is a most beautiful, tranquil exhibition. Cizenel has used the clear, uncluttered space of Argo for four pieces consisting of preliminary work on the project, a series on inter-related canvases, some smaller acrylics on canvas and a video installation, technically produced by Shane Fage, which has music played by Suleyman Yardim on a reed pipe. Cizenel was born in Mallia, Cyprus, and graduated from the Fine Arts Academy, Istanbul.He has continued artistic research in Vienna, received a Fulbright scholarship and carried out research and study in New York.Here is what he has written on his painting and video installation."A Lost moment""The title metaphorically refers to a synthetic duration in time.“The moment to moment, or time that is outside of memory but is a result of it, will essentially always be present. Indeed it is so related to "coded" images we seem to miss in the course of our routine. "The meaning all and any object or any fragrance evokes, is an instinctive escape in time, in the time we spent together, with it, moments we let ourselves go. Our attempt to freeze time is about that particular last moment."This exhibition is open to notions that can be added to a familiar reality, like a summer evening that fades into the night."Perhaps we cannot return to a lost time, but we can trace it. In the simple, unaffected, sincere and sentimental expression of the visual art, or in an egocentric attempt at sharing with others – which we can call exhibition.“Thus, through the history of a flower we can refer to the remembrance of social memory that is created in that ‘lost time’."Do go to Argo. Go quietly. The video tape will be put on for you. Jasmine rules.The present rush of life will vanish. Until February 17.

RestlessReflectionsNILGUN Guney and Osman Keten are at Opus 39 until the 17th of the month.The Arts Page goes to bed Sunday night so the article on his exhibition will be next week as will the appreciation of Martin Meason’s Art Aware lecture.Nilgun Guney writes: "The reflections of inner and environmental dilemma. Especially living on an island which has an unsettled and uncertain situation and living in a world which needs struggle for human rights and all other rights. We tried to put out our restless thoughts and contradictions and transform these contradictions into an art form. Although one of us is a woman and the other is a man and maybe has a different point of view, we have similar (like all human beings) anxieties for life. One can see the differences of technique in our art but also can see the similarity in the concept we try to bring out"Osman Keten says: "The starting point of my paintings is always human beings. As a subject I use the reflections of political, economic and sociological statue on the human psychology, of the society I live in. I tried to reflect the psychological breakups of people, loneliness, rage, faintness resistance and indifference under pressure and also reflect the identity crisis."Not only have I tried to understand the people, I also tried to look into my soul and question myself. I feel Cyprus is composed of two parts and these two parts are composed of other pieces. The negative and positive effects of politics are changing the places of these parts, removing some of them, putting new ones but these pieces never settle in and combine. These psychologically and physically unsettled pieces are still constituting the agenda. I believe that the physical union will contribute to the psychological union".
Marlen’s workPANTHEON Gallery is to host Marlen Karletidou’s art exhibition on Saturday, February 24, at 7pm.The new work by the artist, under the title Transition, is one of a mature painter whose thoughts and problems concerning opportune matters create the image direct, with fantasy and unexpected surrealistic elements.
Demetris Constantinouat Gloria’s THIS exhibition by the great sculptor Demetris Constantinou opens on Monday and will continue until the March 2.

25 January 2007

2009-07-30T05:37:00.001-07:00

Art awards
The January Art Aware Bicommunal Fine Arts Programme held at the Goethe Centrum, Nicosia was a huge success. Packed to capacity. Both Daphne Mavrovouniotis Trimikliniotis (who is President of EKATE - Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts) and Ismet Tatar gave engrossing slide show talks about their work. Although their work was different in style from each there was a strong link with survival in their art. Quality and depth and concern ruled. A brilliant evening.Because of the post seasonal timing of this last meeting the next one will be soon. This is scheduled for Sunday 4th February at 7 pm. So here is early news. I am not sure who the Turkish Cypriot will be but it could be Cevdet Cagdan.The other representative of the island’s artists speaking on Next Sunday is Martin MeasonMartin was born in Dartford U.K in 1962 and graduated in painting at Wimbledon School of Art. His most recent solo show here was ‘Diving For Pearls’ at Argo Gallery. Martin says "I have lived in Cyprus since 1996. The subject matter of my paintings has tended to come from my immediate surroundings, the architecture of my flat and studio, the views from my window, things that I experience everyday."I use photo-based images quite frequently, often emphasizing the mechanical characteristics of the medium, blur, camera, shake, under/over exposures etc.In other work I have experimented with distortion based on imperfect reflections and more recently a process of cutting or tearing pieces of wood, cardboard and paper that have been painted with basic grid designs.I am often working with oppositions of inside and outside or intimate and vast and try to place my work in a kind of middle ground between the two."
Christina Christou at Gallery k
Christina’s exhibition opened on Wednesday and continues until the 10th of the monthGallery k loyal to its tradition of supporting talented young artists is welcoming the New Year with the paintings of Christina Christou.According to the artist: "The main subject of my paintings is the human form, which is used as a medium for understanding human relationships but also the lack of them. My painting borrows the aesthetics of Pop or adopts the simplicity of drawing and the austerity of single colours. I am influenced by surrealism and psychoanalysis while I investigate the power relationships that come from glances."Christou tries to capture in her paintings the essence of the people around her. Her figures are full of electrifying energy. When more than one figure appears in a work an intense psychological dialogue is taking place between them. When a figure is alone, his/her glance creates an inevitable dialogue with the viewer. Some figures wear a provocative look that makes the viewer feel almost uncomfortable while others are looking elsewhere and hence invite the viewer to explore them.Christina Christou was born in Nicosia in 1976. She studied Design and Fashion Marketing at the Central St Martin’s College of Art & Design. She has co-operated with international fashion houses in designing and organising collections but also in the design, production and organization of fashion shows. She has also illustrated children’s books and represented Greece in the 11th Biennale of Young Creators in Europe and the Mediterranean in the illustration section. Her work has been presented in group comics and design exhibitions. In addition, she has participated in two solo exhibitions in Greece, Lately she is co-operating with the stage designer Antoni Bolanaki for the stage design and the costumes of the theatre production "Macbeth".
Katie Sabry and Ketty Noman Dinos Art CafE
This is an exhibition of paintings by Katie Sabry and Ketty Norman at Dino’s Art CafE, Irinis Street, Limassol Old Town which will continue until 4th March.Kelly and Katie are exhibiting together for the first time. The collection is their impressions of coastal towns; the buildings and play of light that is always so unique near the sea.They are in oils, watercolour and collage. The exhibition space is a restored listed building and both artwork and building compliment each other. Both artists are permanent residents of Limassol and members of "cinema # 1" artist’s collective
George Koumouros Gallery Morphi Limassol.
This exhibition opens on 1st February and continues until the17th of the month..Koumouros is certainly one of our very best painters. He captures the essence of feelings about here. His colour is outstanding while his vision is totally original. A painting, maybe a landscape which includes a broken chair can evoke a whole history of strife. Subtle, original and extraordinarily beautiful canvases.
2+ 2 at Opus 39
The excellent group exhibition of four artists 2+2 continues at Opus until Saturday 3rd of February then from Monday 5th February to 17th February. Opus 39 hosts Nilgun Gunay and Osman Keten.Nilgun Gunay was born in Nicosia 1952. She graduated at the State Fine Arts Academy Istanbul and has had thirteen solo exhibitions here and abroad including Austria and Germany. She has received many awards and honorary prizes and also participated in at least 40 group exhibitions.
Osman Ketin was born in Anafodia, Larnaca in 1962 and studied painting at Marmara University Fine Arts Faculty. Has had many exhibitions both here and abroad ( including Macedonia, and Austria.).
Still On
- Christos Foukaras at Gloria’sContinues until 10th February. Christos Foukaras as born in Kissonerga in 1944. He studied at the Sourikov Institute of Fine Arts in Mocow (1970-1976). Studied painting for the first two years and then specialized for the next four in monumental painting at the studio of Professor Claudia Alexandrovna Toutevol. Awarded the MA in 1976. He then moved to Athens where he worked and exhibited at the Ora gallery a series of works inspired by the events of 1974. From 1979 to 2004 he worked as an art teacher in the secondary schools. Now he works as a full time artist. Covered last week on the arts page.
- Horst Weierstall at Argo Gallery until Saturday 27th of JanuaryThoughtful , imaginative paintings and conceptual work.- Markos Stasoullis at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca until the30th of January. Acrylic and Water Colour - 35 Years of THOK at The Lanitis, Limassol until 11 March.
Photo captions
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2: Abandoned Carob Store, KarpasiaKatie Sabry at Dinos Art CafE
3: BalconyKelly Norman at Dinos Art CafE
4: Alarm: George Koumouros at Gallery Morphi, Limassol
5: EmptinessNilgun Guney Opus 39
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7: DepthMartin Meason at Art Aware Goethe Zentrun

Record visitors for Louvre
PARIS (AP) THE Louvre Museum had a record number of visitors in 2006, thanks to dynamic Friday-night programming, successful temporary exhibits and a lecture series by Nobel prize-winner Toni Morrison, the Paris museum said.About 8.3 million people visited the Paris museum in 2006, compared to 7.5 million the previous year, the museum said in a statement. Attendance has increased steadily over the past few years.The Louvre said it was still evaluating what factors affected the 2006 figures. The statement did not mention any impact from the May release of Ron Howard's film adaptation of ''The Da Vinci Code'' - part of which was shot in the museum - but Louvre officials have said they expected it to draw movie fans.Both French and foreign visitors were on the rise, the Louvre said, without giving a breakdown. The Louvre invited Morisson to stage a series of lectures, readings, films, concerts and debates, which helped boost the number of visitors in November.The museum also offers free open houses every Friday night to anyone under age 26 - popular events that sometimes include concerts and have even featured slam poetry. Popular art exhibits included a major show on the French painter Ingres that brought 379,000 visitors, the Louvre said.

18 January 2007

2009-07-30T05:36:00.002-07:00

Horst Weierstall at Argo Gallery HORST’S exhibition continues at Argo until January 27 and information on his new work was on this page last week.Horst was born in 1944 in Wuppertal, Gemany.He studied at Dartington College and Falmouth School of Art in England (1975-1981).Dartington was an institution that had close associations with the Indian philosopher Rabindra Tagore, the German architect Walter Gropius and the German dance choreographer Kurt Joos. Here he had his first contact with artists, writers, musicians and dancers who were interested in post-modern theories and interdisciplinary practices such as Steve Paxton, former collaborator with Robert Rauschenberg and John Cage, Mary Falkerson, Peter Hulton and others.He settled in Cyprus in 1981.He has made frequent journeys to his hometown of Wuppertal, where he linked up with the artists of the post-Fluxus movement. 1985 saw the beginning of a friendship with the German poet and writer, Joachim Sartorius.Over the years, he has made journeys to Berlin, Egypt, Jordan and Crete.In various installations, actions and performances he focuses on border situations concerning body, time, space and movement as inter-related phenomena. Since 1984, he has been involved in a series of events based on his conception ‘Momentum’ which started in Wuppertal, culminating in the 1989 Nicosia Green Line peace action Momentum V1. The aim of these activities was to encourage direct and indirect interaction with the audience/community. During 1979-2003 the artist linked up with other artists, performers and curators, e.g. from Germany, America, Holland, Greece, Armenia, England, Spain and Cyprus creating inter-cultural land interdisciplinary projects. He also created artists’ books of small and large scale often inspired by contemporary and classical literature, for instance Samuel Beckett, James Joyce, Franz Kafka, Ludwig Wittgenstein, Goethe, Aristotle and others. One of these projects ‘Riverbrook’ was presented in 1997/98 at the Melina Mercouri hall, Nicosia, Central Library, Wuppertal, Germany and the Municipal Arts Centre. He has also sown in Yerevan, Armenia (2000) and participated in the Artists Bookfair, London Institute, Tate Britain. Recently he has been a coordinator and artist participant in a research and performance project ‘One Square Foot’, at The Space, Nicosia and University of Exeter, England.Horst Weierstall is the co-founder of the multi-cultural artists’ community ‘The Space’ in Old Nicosia and he has been instrumental in teaching students at the Frederick Institute of Technology, Nicosia, over the past 10 years.Horst has had numerous exhibitions in Cyprus and abroad and represented Cyprus at the XXth Biennale in Alexandria in 1999 and the Xth Triennale in New Delhi, India, in 2001.He exhibition at Argo continues until January 27.
Artist turns Mount Everest'strash into treasuresBRUNSWICK (AP) Thousands of adventurers have been drawn to Mount Everest by the challenge of climbing to the top of the world. Jeff Clapp was drawn by the trash they leave behind.Inspired by a documentary about Everest's rubbish, Clapp travelled to Nepal and brought a load of discarded oxygen bottles back in 2004.He has created a business of transforming those banged-up aluminium containers into gleaming bells, bowls and ornaments with a goal of inspiring people to do more to clean up the environment in their own small ways, just as he has."One guy can make a difference," he said, whether by transforming trash into treasures, turning off lights, installing insulation or using less gas.What began as a "madcap idea" is now called Bells from Everest. Clapp has sold 35 bells and bowls so far.The trashing of Everest began even before Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first scaled the world's tallest mountain in 1953. Hillary acknowledged leaving behind oxygen bottles, food containers and torn tents in a pile near his base camp.Like Hillary, virtually all hikers rely on oxygen because the air at Everest's summit has only one-third of the oxygen found at sea level. Over the years, hundreds of bottles piled up along with discarded climbing gear and other trash.Rick Wilcox, of Eaton, New Hampshire, saw 500 to 600 bottles en route to the summit in 1991. It was common practice for climbers to dump gear to save weight on the way down. "When it becomes your life or your gear, you choose your life and leave the gear behind," he said.DepositsThings have changed in recent years.Efforts to clean up the 8,710 mountain include a successful bounty programme for oxygen bottles left behind. The Nepalese government now requires expeditions to pay deposits that are forfeited if rubbish is left behind.By doing this, fresh garbage is reduced and the cumulative problem is controlled, Deebas Bickram Shah of the Nepal Mountaineering Association said in an e-mail.John Bagnulo, who reached Everest's summit on his 36th birthday last May 11, said he was heartened by what he saw on the less-travelled north side."I didn't see that many empty oxygen bottles, so that's a good thing," Bagnulo said by telephone from Massachusetts, where he now works at a wellness centre in the Berkshires."I was pleasantly surprised by the low volume of trash." Clapp, an artist, chef and concerned father, was inspired to go to Nepal by a National Geographic documentary about trash on Everest, which some called "the world's highest junkyard." He obtained 132 cylinders from the Nepal Mountaineering Association for $7,000. It cost nearly that much to ship them back to Maine.StrippingBack at home in Brunswick, he works on the canisters in a basement workshop where the floor is littered with piles of aluminum shavings.The hardest part, he said, is stripping away the yellow fiberglass shell to expose the darkened, oxidised aluminium underneath. He then uses hand tools to shape the bottles as they spin on a wood-turning lathe.Eventually, they're buffed to a shiny silver colour. Prices range from $1,600 to $3,000 for bells, and $500 to $1,500 for the bowls.Little goes to waste. The shavings are put in glass balls to become $15 Christmas ornaments that Clapp originally created as gifts for family members. They're sold at several locations, including the gift shop at Walt Disney World's Expedition Everest roller coaster, he said.The work takes time, especially for the more expensive items. In December, he sold six pieces in one five-day period, which he described as a flood of orders.Clapp, who's 48, said buyers like getting a unique piece of artwork and knowing that they're helping the environment at the same time. "They see the added value of purchasing a gift item that has social responsibility," he said.When his supply of oxygen cylinders runs out, Clapp doesn't plan to retrieve any more of them. By the time he uses them up in a few years, he'd like to return to Nepal to show locals how to create the bells to make money for themselves.Clapp has had a preliminary discussion with a Bates College graduate who founded Porters' Progress, a Sanbornton, New Hampshire-based organisation that works to improve the lives of the porters who carry equipment for Everest expeditions.ChallengesBen Ayers from Porters' Progress said there are challenges including startup costs but he likes Clapp's idea of teaching metalsmithing skills to poor children. It's "just crazy enough to work," he wrote in an e-mail from Katmandu.Clapp said he hopes to line up corporate sponsors for the project, and to create a documentary. Eventually, he wants to write a book."My ultimate goal of returning this project to Nepal is very exciting to me," he said. "When I first visualised creating this artwork, I was driven with the concept that it would be a benefit to others, specifically in Nepal."
New arts magazineA NEW quarterly arts magazine - ARTI.ON - is out, published by EKATE, with Chief Editor Vola Kokkinou.The President of EKATE is Daphne Trimikliniotou and Christos Symeonides is Vice-President. Editorial Advisers are Christos Symeonides, Spyros Demetriades, Aristeides Stasi and Nicholas Panayi.Dr Eleni Nikita, Cultural Services Director, introduces the magazine.The magazine is certainly a very good read.Just what we need.Marina Schiza, of Phileleftheros, gives a very strong interview with Yiannis Toumazos who was the coordinator of Manifesta, titled: "Integrity and truth are not negotiable virtues, whatever the cost”.This excellent article is followed by another equally essential one on Manifesta titled The Rise and Fall of Manifesta 6 in which Christina Lambrou speaks about that "most important cultural event" through newspaper clippings from Politis.Do you remember Nicos Kuroushis monumental work "RAINBOW" from 1975? We were all there cheering at that dangerous time.. It has been demolished. Read Dr Savvas Kokkinos memorable article – and see the photographs. Our own Georges der Parthogh has written a most moving and understanding article on George Lanitis A Year After His Death.This is a superb art magazine.
Christos Foukaras at Gloria’s Gallery
CHRISTOS Foukaras was born in Kissonerga in 1944 and studied at the Sourikov Institute of Fine Arts in Mocow from 1970-1976. He also studied painting for the first two years and then specialised for the next four in monumental painting at the studio of Professor Claudia Alexandrovna Toutevol.Awarded the MA in 1976, he then moved to Athens where he worked and exhibited at the Ora gallery a series of works inspired by the events of 1974. From 1979 to 2004, he worked as an art teacher in the secondary schools. Now he works as a full time artistHe has a show at Gloria’s Gallery in Nicosia from January 24 February 10.Nicos Hadjinicolaou has written in “The World of our Forefathers”: "Christos Foukaras is currently one of the most important artists in the Greek-speaking world. This is due to his creative work and due to his moral stature.""The son of poor farmers from Kissonerga, he studied painting in Moscow, returned in 1977 to the land of his ancestors and has lived there ever since. "The house at Kissonerga is an unconfined refuge, where the artist works, surrounded by paintings and other artists: his wife Mariam, his daughter Katerina, until recently his mother-in-law Lavinia Bajbeouk- Melikian, daughter of the painter Alexander Bajbeouk - Melikian, and his father-in-law Sascha Souchanof."Kissonerga itself, in spite of the devastation suffered by its unremitting "modernisation" in recent years, looking from above at the sea and the road leading from Paphos to Akamas, surrounded by banana plantations, retains the features of an oasis."In this village far from ‘public relations,’ dedicated wholeheartedly to painting and sculpture, Foukaras has produced over the past 30 years a manifold and, in spite of all qualitative inequalities, powerful oeuvre, a "view of the world" that deserves to be more widely known."In the current exhibition he presents a selection of recently painted works, products of full time endeavour, as, since 2004, he no longer needs to contend with the daily obligations of teaching art at secondary schools."Like so many other artists today, Foukaras could have chosen to do video, or computer art. He preferred to work with more traditional tools: oils, pastels, pencil. This choice has certainly barred the road in certain directions: those where success requires the acceptance of what today is indicated as the exclusive understanding of modernity. "But I believe that, at the same time, it has opened a channel of communication with all those for whom the use of traditional tools remains capable of expressing contemporary sensitivity, without precluding innovation in the approach to the world surrounding us."It all depends where one stands."The magic of reality is due to the multiplicity of the social and physical worlds that compose it. The urban landscape of Manhattan is an altogether different world compared to the landscape a few miles north, where the Hudson flows. "The poetics of the motorway following the coastline from Limassol to Paphos, the lines are asphalt, the forms of the vehicles, the sounds of their engines and their CD players reaching wave-like our ears as we overtake them, a just as much an inseparable part of our life as the cultivated fields, animals grazing, peasants in villages, offices, vegetable shops, factories, supermarkets and kitchens with their electric lights. "This is where people live and human relations develop: this is where the struggle for survival and the battle for conquering or maintaining power takes place. All these themes have found their painters and their poets. But they constantly seek new ones because our position in nature and in society is at the same time stable and constantly changing. Even the most effective and important artistic achievements have, from a moment onwards, historical character. "They are not ‘outmoded', as is sometimes suggested. They simply express a world forever gone. One needs to make an effort, acquire a basic knowledge of the conditions under which they were produced and also a familiarity with the then prevailing aesthetic ideas in order to appreciate fully the works of preceding eras."Nature and society. Cyprus in 2007. Paphos. Kissonerga. The world of our forefathers."A world of impressive cohesiveness and immutability emerges from the oils and pastels. Everything revolves around a few basic subjects: the pilgrimage to the Saint Neophytos fair, the slaying of the pig. The wedding, carnival, catching crows, still lives. " ‘The World of Cyprus,’ by Diamantis, encounters here a diverging impulse and a sequel at the same level. The pitfall permanently in wait to neutralise approached of this kind is ‘genre painting.’ "Foukaras was successful in avoiding it in most of his works. An excellent example of elevation of a powerful genre scene unto epic dimensions is offered by the diptych of two small pastels entitled "Return".

11 January 2007

2009-07-30T05:36:00.001-07:00

Art Aware - second round
The second round of the Bicommunal Fine Arts Programme, aims to bring Greek and Turkish Cypriot artists closer and improve understanding of their work not only between themselves but also by the public.
The programme takes the form of a lecture and slide show by one Greek and one Turkish Cypriot artist presenting their work each first Sunday of the month at 7pm at the Goethe Zentrum, Nicosia.
Talks will be presented in Greek, Turkish and English.
This second round started in November and concludes in June, with the participation of 16 Cypriot artists ending with a group exhibition and the presentation of a catalogue.
For more information contact 22674608, 99511509, 05338625984.
In January, Art Aware will take place on the 14th (second Sunday) due to the holiday season.
Greek Cypriot artist
Daphne Mavrovouniotis-Trimikliniotis.
"I was born in Limassol. I emigrated to London in 1959, and studied Art at Hornsey College of Art, Middlesex University, London.
"I lived in London for 35 years and, even though I was far away, I found that Cyprus has always been in my thoughts and in my heart.
"This was inevitably projected into my work.
"Being aware of social and political issues has also influenced my work, which shows signs of my anxieties and worries, as well as my expectations and hopes for the present and future of the world we live in.
"My art is anthropomorphic, figurative, with the man elements, man, woman, being the focal point of the composition. Subjects taken from everyday situations and surroundings, evolve around relationships and emotions of people, love, friendship, life and death.
"These are elements found in my paintings, expressed in my way, in a technique evolved over the years, through a great deal of "experimenting and search"
Search is necessity: it is born from the confidence that the old is exhausted and the new is in search of pathways to emerge. The old and familiar seen from a new perspective provides new routes.
"Old motifs are transformed in tototally new elements; mutated, alternated and rotated, they create a whole new world: my world of reality and fantasy."
Turkish Cypriot artist
Ismet Tatar
"The theme of my recent works is Land/Earth.
"The first Land/Earth- related exhibition was held in 2005 within the framework of the European Mediterranean Art Association’s (EMMA) exhibitions in May. The main concept was "The Mysterious Texture of Land/Earth."
"The latter exhibition was held within the framework of EMAA’s May exhibitions, this time in 2006. The main concept was "And the Land/Earth".
The theme of the works prior to Land/Earth was trees. The "Pre-Fire"exhibition was held at the Eaved House, and "My Name is Olive Tree" in the Stone Art House. (The Stone Art House was a venue rented from the Antiquities Department, and restored in 1999 by Ismet Tatar).
The third exhibition was held at the Bellapaix Art Gallery in 2003.
"The theme of works prior to these was "Woman/She." A journey through a woman’s lifespan" was held at Statuk Cultural Centre on 1995. Woman – Tree –Land/Earth.
"In my paintings all trees have women’s bodies"

$1m globe sculpture
collapses
PERHAPS the glue that held the world together came apart.
A 175-ton sculpture called ''Spaceship Earth,'' intended to remind future generations of Earth's fragility, lay in ruins at Kennesaw State University after mysteriously collapsing in the middle of the night, barely three months after it was unveiled.
University officials suspect the glue holding together the stone pieces on the $1m piece of art failed. The Finnish-born sculptor says he is devastated.
''Kind of ironic,'' said Mary-Elizabeth Watson, a university employee, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper. ''I had no idea it was made up of so many pieces.''
The sculptor who goes by one name, Eino, called it ''Spaceship Earth'' to honour environmentalist David Brower, a leader of the Sierra Club. It depicted a bronze figure of Brower standing atop the globe. The sculpture collapsed Dec. 28.
''How can stone collapse by itself?'' Eino asked. ''I'm devastated.'' He said he used a resin made especially for stone and worked with an engineer who assured him the globe would stay in one piece.
Eino worked on it for about two years. He travelled to Brazil to find blue quartzite and spent about four months meticulously piecing it together.
Agents with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation are looking into the possibility that someone vandalised
Horst
Weierstall
at Argo
THE Weierstall exhibition – 'Twice Removed’ - at Argo, will be a multi-media presentation involving video, photo images and collage.
The title "twice removed" refers to the removal of images from media sources like TV and newsprint’
Horst says: "In my past project titled ‘delay’ at the Accidental Meeting" show at he Powerhouse 2005, I used newsprint as a source of reference.
"In ‘Twice Removed’ I have recorded TV news coverage of the Lebanon crises over three days 25- 28.7.2006.
"The exhibition - until January 27 - will be an installation of enlarged photo images recorded directly from the screen documenting the process of news reading by focusing on face and hand sequences. The actual event of the crisis forms a subtext.
"There have been two phenomena of interest to me in the making of this project. Ist the visual removal effect, a fading quality (disappearance) of the subject in the process of reproduction and, second, the contrast between facts of the event of crises, the role of the newsreader (mediator) and our own passive role as the viewer.
"The works of the French writer Jean Baudrillard ‘Fatal strategies and perfect crime' become a source in the process of quotational references. Texts on issues of media, the masses, subject, object, love, desire, fate and chance entered the collage process. The overall presentation aims at juxtaposition of text and image within a practise of reproduction (removal) and erasure by layering texts images and materials.
"I feel that these forms of visual production come close to what Baudrillard termed as the disappearance of the subject as the result of exposure to mass media production and in his words: ‘What comes to pass in the mode of disappearance is truly other’."
Fogg Art Museum gets
political with Dissent! - provocative
black and white images
CAMBRIDGE (AP)
BEFORE the 2004 election, artist Richard Serra chose one of the most startling images of the Iraq war to convey his opinion of the Bush administration: a hooded Abu Ghraib prisoner standing with his arms spread wide.
The provocative black-and-white pictures - which Serra first labelled with ''STOP BUSH,'' then dropped two letters to spell ''STOP B S'' - anchor a new exhibit of prints at Harvard's Fogg Art Museum that balance anger with beauty, resistance with design and politics with art.
This show, featured through Feb. 25, is a collection of prints created to challenge society's status quo, from the powers of the pope in the 16th century to the United States' recent obsession with gas-guzzling SUVs.
''The works were meant to provoke all different kinds of reactions: artistic, political, social, cultural, personal,'' said Susan Dackerman, the Carl A. Weyerhaeuser Curator of Prints at the Harvard museums and the exhibit's curator.
Dackerman said the exhibit evolved as she went through Harvard's collection of more than 70,000 items after joining the staff about a year-and-a-half ago.
Some in Dissent! were made by established artists, such as Andy Warhol's 1972 multicolour picture of Richard Nixon with ''Vote McGovern'' written underneath or Pablo Picasso's print satirising Spain's Gen. Francisco Franco. Others come from lesser or unknown artists, such as a T-shirt with a caricature of Bush's head and the words ''Blame Yale.''
The juxtaposition was intended, Dackerman said, to show the democratic qualities of printmaking. Prints are easy and inexpensive to reproduce and distribute, and can be put on nearly anything, from clothing to playing cards.
The curator pointed to prints made during the student strike at Harvard University in 1969. The students rallied around a drawing of a closed fist, which they plastered on T-shirts, armbands, posters and body parts to show their opposition to university policies. The fist was seen all over the campus and beyond, including the cover of Life magazine.
''I wanted to demonstrate the power of printmaking and how it's been used historically, how it's been used by other students, how it's been used by other artists,'' Dackerman said.
Many prints in the exhibit, such as Serra's, rely on a simple, easily recognised theme. General Idea's 1989 print replaced the word ''LOVE'' in Robert Indiana's iconic image with the word ''AIDS.'' Vincent Gagliostro plays with Coca-Cola's red-and-white logo to draw attention to his opposition to phar

Marcos Stasoullis
at Kypriaki Gonia
IN this exhibition – from January 12-30 - Marcos Stasoullis is presenting what he has created during the last three years, mainly in acrylic and aquarelle.
The acrylic work appears as a unit entitled "Regeneration" and these series of paintings emerge from elements of the artist’s earlier work. In this work the painter allows his imagination free to travel, concentrating his attention on the quality of the colour, originality, the vividness of rhythm, the structure as well as the simplicity of the composition.
The elements and the symbols are originated by Nature, man and the artist’s endless imagination. The opening is Friday, January 12 (tonight) by the vice president of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Andreas Luroutziatis.
Marcos Stasoullis was born in Famagusta in 1943.
After graduating from the Gymnasium and the Paedagogical Academy and after completing his military service, he was appointed as a primary school teacher in 1965.
He took up drawing and painting lessons by correspondence and he studied at Stass Paraskos Art Summer School, the year the school was first established in Famagusta. Marcos Stasoullis’s work has emerged through his constant interest and study, his frequent occupation with painting, his attendance at many art seminars, his cooperation with many painters as well as his first strong stimuli from the cultural and social life in Famagusta. Talent, together with hard work, have also helped.
After working as a teacher in many communities, he was appointed a specialised teacher of Art and as an Art Coordinator in the Curricular Development Unit by the Ministry of Education and Culture.
He was also responsble for the Art Archives of all the primary schools in the Limassol district.
In 1989, he was granted a scholarship in the Art Faculty offered by the Central Institute of Commonwealth.
He was awarded and honoured for his artistic contribution to various institutions. He illustrated books for the Cyprus Ministry of Education and he was honoured for illustrating the book "Den Xehno kai Agonizomai," by the Pancypan Organisation of Greek Teachers.
Marcos Stastoullis’ paintings are sometimes realistic, whereas some others include surreal elements.
His themes come from landscape and still life as well as from the human being. Moreover, he mainly creates his art by the use of oil, acrylic and water colour combined with personal techniques and expressive ways.
So far, he has successfully held sixteen personal art exhibitions and has participated in many group exhibitions and his work is in many public and private collections.
Marcos Stasoullis took early retirement as a primary school head teacher in September 2000 to devote himself to artistic creation.
At present, he lives in Kato Polemidia, where he owns his art studio.

2+2
at Opus 39
OPENING on the 15th of the month and continuing until February 3, this promises to be quite an exciting mixed of four artists: Andri Iona, Achilleas Christodoulou, Georgia Panayiotou and Michael Elia.
Maria
Ladommatou
THIS enterprising exhibition opened last Friday at Gloria Gallery and is well titled: "Theatrics of the Sky and the Earth".
More next week.
When the current flu has flown.

04 January 2007

2009-07-30T05:35:00.000-07:00

Are you a rare being?
Hands up all those who DO NOT flourish a pencil, wield a paintbrush, embrace a palette, grip a palette knife, caress a chisel or get hands wet from clay.
Or, modestly delve into conceptualistic depths. You’re a rare being; one of the minority who is not clambering onto the artwagon which sweeps through the island.
Sitting rooms are open for viewers, canvases maybe still be wet.
The coffee shop sells turpentine. You turn up to an advertised venue in heavy rain and find the door closed (Nicosia).
Cars charge you into the gutter, knowing full well the pavements are really for them, not for frescoes or friendly graffiti.
It’s quite obvious the next art movement will be painting while you drive.
Yet the going is good, if you are patient. There were good things at the geographically ambitious OPEN STUDIOS which covered Paphos.
Also the Inside the Walls of Nicosia and Art Awareness somehow kept their chins up.
Manifesta came a cropper.
A GREAT PITY.
That nearly ended up with both sides doing little Jasper Johns of their own.
The excellent Urban Soul Festival at Eleftheria Square Moat in October saved our little island’s face. (Best Mixed Outdoors).
Thraki Jones goes on forever.
Strong individual shows; Mother and Daughter at Kyklos, Paphos. Former prison teacher Dawn Luing at Marzano (one of the best). Lots of new figuration by artists who really have observed the human form and at the same time understand abstraction.
The trend for shows may appear to be out from the galleries and into the pizza joint but there have actually been new conventional galleries opening. Front room. Back Room. Anywhere. Any place. Someone must be making a bomb out of invitation cards mind you.
The fomer Carob House, Limassol, has got used to its space.
Their very recent exhibition was the tops of the mixed’s (Indoors). Top individual was sculpture at Fasoula, Limassol. Two outstanding painters exhibited photographs. Still great.
Age was respected with the wonderful Nicholaides exhibition in Limassol.
So many shows were on just for a few days - like a Celtic jumble sale – buying art like socks for seasonal gifts. However there is great art here. Saw a Henry Moore and an Anish Kapoor last week in Nicosia!
John Sabry has died in Paphos.

Getty curator
'scapegoat' in art
looting case

LOS ANGELES (AP)
The former antiquities curator at the J. Paul Getty Museum has said in a letter that the institution is making her the scapegoat in an art looting case that has resulted in agreements to return 30 contested works to Greece and Italy, according to a published report.
Marion True wrote in a letter to the J. Paul Getty Trust obtained by the Los Angeles Times that her superiors were aware of the risks of buying antiquities and had approved the acquisitions.
True and art dealer Robert Hecht are on trial in Rome for allegedly receiving archaeological treasures stolen from private collections or dug up illicitly. They deny wrongdoing. Greece recently began legal action against True.
True said in the Dec. 18 letter that the museum has left her to "carry the burden" for the purchases and complained that the Getty has not publicly defended her innocence or explained her role at the museum.
The Getty's "calculated silence ... has been acknowledged universally, especially in the archaeological countries, as a tacit acceptance of my guilt," True said in the two-page letter addressed to acting Getty Chief Executive Deborah Marrow, Museum Director Michael Brand and Getty spokesman Ron Hartwig.
The Getty is paying for True's defence in Greece and Italy and has said that she is being unfairly singled out by foreign prosecutors.
"We certainly are hopeful that Marion will be exonerated, and based on the evidence we've seen, we believe she should be cleared of the charges she is facing," Hartwig said in a statement. "It is tragic that Marion has been singled out given her efforts at trying to reduce the illegal trade of antiquities."
Hopeful
Hartwig acknowledged to the Times that in the past True's criminal problems have complicated negotiations with Greece and Italy over the return of allegedly looted antiquities.
He said that current Getty officials hope the recent returns of antiquities will build a rapport with the governments and have a "therapeutic impact" on her legal situation.
But True said in her letter that giving items back to the countries without any public statement in support of her has not helped her situation.
Retire
In recent months the Getty has agreed to return 30 contested antiquities to Italy and Greece. Earlier this month, the Getty agreed to return a golden funerary wreath, the focus of the Greek case.
About that latest return, True said: "Once again you have chosen to announce the return of objects that are directly related to criminal charges filed against me by a foreign government ... without a word of support for me, without any explanation of my role in the institution, and without any reference to my innocence." True was the Getty antiquities curator from 1986 to 2005, when she was asked to retire. She was responsible for recommending what objects the museum should buy from private dealers and at public auctions. Approval of her recommendations rested with the museum director, the Getty Trust's chief executive and members of the board of trustees.
Harry Stang, True's Los Angeles attorney, said the letter "was intended to be a private document and it was unfortunate it was released to a media outlet."

29 December 2006

2009-07-30T05:22:00.003-07:00

Michael Dettmer’s photography
WHILE at the Geoff May Studio, Limassol, observing a group exhibition called Cinema #1, I met Michael Dettner, who has since given excellent information on his photographs which were on display.Since graduating from the Steiner School (Waldorfschule) in Krefeld, Germany, Michael started to work in various photography studios in Cologne. He went to the UK in 2001, where he spent a year doing media studies, still focusing on photography. At the Arts Institute in Bournemouth and London, he studied Interactive Media and started to use a variety of media. Besides his studies, he worked as a freelance designer in web and graphic design, video and photography. For his post-graduate studies he chose to come to Cyprus to study Fine Art at the Cyprus College of Art to be influenced by a completely different place compared to London. He finds that design and art equally create powerful messages and he was (and still is) interested in how traditional artists see the world around them and process that information in a sculpture or a painting. He has come from a technological generation that grew up with personal computers that shaped his view of the world fundamentally. The danger that occurs in working with one medium, in his view, is that messages and information are conformed through that particular medium. Marshall McLuhan famously stated: The medium is the massage" (not message as is often misinterpreted) which summarises his concern about which medium to choose when producing art work. With the introduction of graphic design, a new visual language with its codes and connotations developed, created to be understood by everyone. A popular visual culture, a language with repeating rules. He chose to come to Cyprus to work with artists from a non-technological background to use this information and to learn to create work that does not conform to the medium. He says: "We live in a modern age, where we have more media than ever to choose from, by combining them in modern ways we can create something new, break the rules of a single medium and define new visual languages. "Art for me is the process of interaction with the spectator, whether it is a painting, a website or an installation. Every medium has the ability to change peoples thought, behaviour, attitude - life."Dettmer’s current photography is focusing on the aspect of the Cyprus problem, not politically but rather through humanity. He says we have seen political solutions for Cyprus that failed and probably more will fail in the future. The Manifesta grotesquely failed, because it changed into a political happening. Therefore, Dettmer says, his photographs portray children from the north because they haven’t heard of the Annan Plan or the Cyprus referendum. They are innocent, vulnerable and pure. Politics hasn’t reached their consciousness, yet. The children in his pictures do not want to be disliked by anyone, they are born in a place that is their home in this world. For them it wouldn’t make a difference where you are from because they haven’t been taught to dislike the people on the other side.Michael Dettmer then says: "We adults, who are looking at these pictures, need to fundamentally stop thinking in our abstract ways and focus more on our humanity and love towards others. Life is evolution and art is the love of bringing messages into peoples minds."Michael Dettner’s photographs were on show at the Geoff May Studios in Limassol and will move to Dinos Art cafE, Limassol in April and will be on display for six weeksHis design work can be found on www.interaktivemedia.com and his art work on www.artcyprus.com (Cinema # 1Artist Collective) or his personal website www.michaeldettmer.com.He is a Lecturer in Interactive Arts at the Limassol Studios (Cyprus College of Art)
Student debunks professor's method for identifying Pollock's paintingsCLEVELAND (AP)Finding a Jackson Pollock painting is the art world's equivalent of a winning lottery ticket.But proving a Pollock painting's authenticity isn't easy, which is why physicist Richard Taylor's theory that the famed artist's work can be identified using fractals has stirred such interest and controversy.Now, a graduate student is debunking Taylor's analysis, saying she can make a crude drawing in a matter of minutes that has all the fractal qualities of a Pollock masterpiece.Fractals are complex geometric patterns with a self-similar structure - they look the same if magnified. A snowflake and a coastline viewed from above are examples of naturally occurring fractals."I firmly believe his analysis is seriously flawed," said Kate Jones-Smith, a third-year doctoral student in physics at Case Western Reserve University.ImpossiblePollock's drip and pour technique has been both praised and ridiculed, but there's no debating the monetary value of his work with his "No 5, 1948" selling for a reported $140m last month.Pollock paintings seem to be popping up all the time and even those that haven't been authenticated have fetched large sums. A man bid $53,000 in October for a painting that was possibly done by the abstract artist, who died in a car crash in 1956.When Jones-Smith read that Taylor's method of fractal analysis was being used to discredit paintings discovered by Alex Matter, son of Pollock's friend, photographer Herbert Matter, she decided to take a closer look."It really became relevant to tell people that it didn't hold up under mathematical scrutiny," she said.Alex Matter found the paintings in 2002 in a storage unit belonging to his late father. The discovery was made public last year by Matter and the Pollock-Krasner Foundation.Although Taylor determined the works weren't Pollock's, Ellen Landau, professor of art history at Case Western Reserve University, believes they're authentic. The issue is still being debated.Taylor, a University of Oregon associate professor, first applied fractal geometry to Pollock's paintings in a report commissioned by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation in 1999. He determined that Pollock understood the complex patterns in nature and applied them to his work, something that would be impossible for another artist to copy.Taylor, who is working in New Zealand and did not respond to an e-mail seeking comment, told The Associated Press in February that fractal analysis is effective at spotting imitators. He also has cautioned that his analysis shouldn't be the sole factor in deciding authenticity.Too smallJones-Smith and Case physics professor Harsh Mathur go a step further though in a critique that appeared in November issue of Nature.They say Taylor's analysis shouldn't be used at all because Pollock's paintings are too small to be considered fractal - the smallest paint drips are only a thousand times smaller than the canvas.To prove her point, Jones-Smith made a drawing of stars that she said is just as fractal as a Pollock painting."The drawing is incredibly childish and simple," Mathur said."What I've been telling people is that (Taylor's) either wrong about the criteria or that Kate's drawing is worth millions of dollars." Taylor wrote a reply in Nature saying that if Jones-Smith and Mathur dismiss Pollock's fractals, they would also nullify other investigations of physical fractals.The Pollock-Krasner Foundation believes that fractal analysis is one of many tools that should be used to investigate the authenticity of a Pollock work, said Kerrie Buitrago, executive vice president in an e-mail response.Landau, who disagreed with Taylor about the authenticity of the paintings found by Alex Matter, said only of Jones-Smith and Mathur's critique, "I found the article informative and interesting." Boston College physicist Andrzej Herczynski, who is planning his own fractal analysis of Pollock's paintings, views Jones-Smith and Mathur's critique as a cautionary note.ScientificHe agrees with them on a scientific level that some researchers are applying fractals too liberally. He's also sceptical of Taylor's analysis."He is wildly over-enthusiastic about being able to use fractal analysis to authenticate Pollock," he said.But he isn't ready to throw the idea out either."At best, it's one of many ingredients that need to be considered along with material analysis, provenance and the appearance of the work," Herczynski said.For Jones-Smith, she said artistically it doesn't matter if Pollock's works are fractal or not. While she once stared blankly at his paintings, she has developed an appreciation for his colourful layers of swirls and splotches."I'm much more of a Pollock fan now than I was before," Jones-Smith said.
All The World’s A Stage
AND so it is. This year, Castelliotissa hall, which has seen some drama in its time, has been upstaged by Stin Bouka, an exhibition of stage scenery and costumes and posters presented by Thoc, Satirico, Theatro Ena, Ethal and Theatro Scala. Hurry, it closes on Friday.

21 December 2006

2009-07-30T05:22:00.001-07:00

ARTS
Alexis, Pics "Jepras" – use as many as you need
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Paintings by Zenon Jepras
Zenon Jepras is showing at Gallery Gloria, Nicosia. It is one of the best shows of the year.
Jepras was born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1969 to Greek parents, from Corfu and Cyprus. After reading physics at University College London and extensive travels abroad he studied painting at Glasgow School of Art.
During leave of absence of one year (1991-92) he studied at the Cyprus College of Art (Lemba) and traveled widely in the Middle East, before returning to Glasgow to complete his studies. There he developed a keen interest in narrative art and endeavored to tell stories within his own work.
In 1993 he received the Liquitex International Art Prize and was invited to exhibit at the Art Council of America in New York, USA.
Jepras graduated in 1994 with BA (Hons) in Fine Art including a first class distinction for his prize-winning thesis on Homer’s Odyssey (“Ulyssean Voices: A Narrative Deconstruction of People and Themes in Homer’s Odyssey”, 1994)
He has continued to live and work in the UK and Cyprus, dividing his time between painting full time for group and solo shows at home and abroad, and practising as free-lance illustrator at his studio in London.
In April 1997 he represented Cyprus at the Eighth Biennale of Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean, in Turin and Helsinki.
His other most recent solo show, in association with Gallery Gloria, was held in Germany to celebrate the entry of Cyprus as part of the Cultural Year of the Ten exhibitions, to the European Union in 2004.
Jepras began exhibiting at Gloria Gallery 10 years ago with his series of works contemporising the themes behind the myth of Odysseus. Since then his work has focused on the tradition of narrative painting and telling stories using the language of painting – colour, texture and mark, sign and symbol.
This new body of work takes these same principles but instead of the global and political scale of ancient (and modern) myth, they are inward looking – perhaps treating the artist’s own personal world with the same keen eye and caustic wit he has in the past aimed at the wider world.
In this way, in scale and in method, these paintings present a series of small, and quiet yet bold and immediate expressions of a viewpoint that while personal, we can all relate to. Just like a good short story.
This present exhibtion is the most excellent of one-person works I have seen in a gallery this year. The subjects of stress and humour within the family are strengthened by extremely fine painting – the like of which is becoming rarer and rarer in this country.
With all the mini-concepts and with all the insensitive applications of paint which so often smirch our galleries, it is so reassuring that the wonderful subtle trail of contemporary art in Cyprus from Diamantis through Savva and to a few of our still living artists is continuing through Jepras. This exhibition at Gloria’s is full of emotional truth and brilliant execution.
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Leonidas Economides at Leo Gallery
A call to go out on a Saturday night (again!!), and I did eventually discover Leo Gallery where Leonidas Economides lives (I think).
A darkened room at 18 Amfitrytis, Nicosia with special lights illuminating the works on display. It’s been done elsewhere (the Heyward) and the pictures look great but you do tend to bump into the viewers.
The viewers were impressed but also impressive themselves. Established greats had tuned up from Limassol and all the bright young artists who showed to great advantage in the moat this early autumn gave support as well. In other words, Leonidas Economides creates works which are different from anyone else’s.
I remember a large coin at Pantheon and, unless I’m mistaken, a host of budgies in the dark of Strovolos park a summer or two ago. They were caged but did not sing. Or did they have their heads decapitated?
Yes, Leonidas is that rare thing on this island : a surrealist with ideas, imagination and – what’s more, the ability to transfer the meaning (whatever it is) into a collage of objects, or, as with the coin – plonked on its own – giving out a sort of visual power.
Leonidas is closing the "gallery" for Xmas but will open later in January.
Here is remarkable, imaginative work. Try telephoning 99511546.
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Christmas shows
* More on Lemba
The show is on until January 6 at Cyprus College of Art, Lemba.
Three students whose art will be on show work from the Limassol studios. After completing the foundation course, Ann Georghiou is now in her third year at the college. She is part Cypriot and originally came to learn about the other half of her roots. Her paintings are very poetic and concentrate on atmosphere and light.
Christine Grant gained her degree in Contemporary Textile Practice and spent the last year teaching 11 to 18 year olds. Working with these experiences she is now experimenting with a combination of fine art painting and traditional textile techniques using abstract patterns overlaid with stitching and beading.
A graduate from the University of East London but born in Finland, Nea Louhelailen is spending her time in Cyprus specialising in painting. She believes good artists paint what they feel and this is totally influenced by their environment.
Also exhibiting is sculptor Brinley Neil Stephens, a tutor and resident artist at Cyprus College of Art. Working primarily with steel and concrete, his art is about paradox: invitation and denial, containment and exclusion. His sculptures and commissions have reached international acclaim.
If you don’t get a chance to see this diverse and exciting Xmas Show, there will be ample opportunity throughout the year, with each artist from both Lemba and Limassol showing as individuals in the college gallery. The course culminates in a group show in May 2007.
* Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca has a large amount of small works by many, many artists. Well known artists from Cyprus and Greece. Some outstandingly good artists from UK, too. This gallery will surely need an extension soon.
* Gloria has an exhibition of Xmasy smaller works upstairs in the gallery.
* Diachroniki Gallery Ledras (opposite Debenhams) and Laiki Yitonia, Nicosia as well as Arch. Makarios Avenue 31, Dhali have large amounts of wonderful paintings - strong on Cypriot imagery.
* Helen Black at Diatopos until 23rd December.
* Technis Dromena, Nicosia has a brand new show. A painting exhibition of sea spirits by Pieris Lambrou. All rooms used to great advantage
* Yiannis Anastasiou has ceramics at Theatro Ena Gallery, Limassol.
* Haris Epaminonda and Daniel Gustav Cramer’s joint exhibition continues until 6 February at The Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art.
* Michalis Papadopoulos continues at Heliotropio, Larnaca until the 22nd of the month
* Opus 39, Art & Craft at affordable prices – until 5 January.
* Five figuratives are still on at Art Studio 55, Limassol
* Raymond Wilson, Louis Begernie, Michael Dettner, Kelly Norman, Katie Sabre have very good work at Geoff May Studio Cinema’s Collective, Limassol.
* Plant, Williams and Bets are at En Plo, Paphos.
* Michael Kirlitsias at Academic & General Bookshop, Larnaca.. GO
* Rouan have a Christmas Special until 15th January.
THE LATEST
Theatre properties at Castelliotissa until 5th January. A must.
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.
Photo captions
(FROM BOOK)
YOUNG ENGRAVERS: Some imagery from the Young Greek Engraver Exhibition at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre , Limassol’
NEW BOOK: Hambis Kalikandjari from his new book. A great Christmas gift.
From "Jepras" in pics
MINOTAUR AND GIRLS: By Zenon Jepras. The show at Gloria’s is one of year’s best.
GIRL IN A CAFE: By Zenos Jepras.
SMOKERS: By Zenon Jepras.
THE MODEL: By Zenon Jepras.

14 December 2006

2009-07-30T05:21:00.002-07:00

Even more
on Lemba
THE ancient history and mythology of Cyprus is being drawn into the work of Stephen Westbury.
His large scale oil paintings juxtapose imagery from ancient and modern worlds, reflecting on Cyprus’ changing culture.
American-born Frederick Horst also draws from ancient Greek mythological subjects whilst simultaneously depicting contemporary psychological, political and religious content. Paintings, drawings and photo montage are his chosen media.
Maureen Pelling’s interest in the ancient symbol of the labyrinth and its connection with the earth has led her to use her time in Cyprus to experiment using Nature to paint with and on, both as a medium and a canvas.
Falmouth College of Art graduate Alison Hughes embraces new cultures and surroundings in her resin, metal and plaster sculptures. She acknowledges simplistic living in contrast to our ever changing materialistic society.
Michelle von der Gracht combines sculpture with jewellery being made from treasures found on the beach with semi-precious gemstones.
The transitory nature of what it is to bean artist, and also mirroring society, is addressed in Philippe Murphy’s sculptures and installations. He grapples with the idea of travel as a form of escapism, distraction and seeking an idealistic utopia. A recent graduate from Edinburgh University, her work reflects her reaction to academic thinking, and recent excursions in the Amazon.
Patricia Lane, also a graduate from Falmouth College of Art is exploring the way a new and relatively simple environment is impacting on her life and painting, inspired by this condensed and intense experience.
Dick Henry is a retired English graphic designer, and is using the freedom of the post-graduate diploma to explore ways of visually expressing his passion for self knowledge through his series of paintings.
More next week. The exhibition continues until January 6, 2006.

New creations
in Larnaca
NICOS Kouroushis will be showing ‘Metaplasis’ (‘Transformation’), new creations at the Pierides Museum-Laiki Group, Larnaca, until January 13.
These are inspired by the exhibits of the Pierides museum and Kouroushis created works that represent transformation of the ancient objects on display into contemporary/present shapes.
The Pierides Museum-Laiki Group has hosted similar exhibitions reflecting the transformation from yesterday to today, thus creating a meeting into a creative dialogue.
The Geoff
May studio
THREE artists until the 20th of the month. Gemma Plant, Ken Williams and Karen Betts are at En Plo , Paphos, until Sunday, December 17.
About these three artists
Gemma Plant: After graduating from Derby University in 2001, Gemma went on to obtain a post-graduate diploma in fine art at the Cyprus College of Art, Lemba.
She was so drawn to the island that she decided to stay and benefit from the continuous inspiration that Cyprus instils in her.
Ken Williams: Following retirement from full time employment, Ken undertook a four-year course of study at Wirrel Metropolitan College, studying fine art and specialising in painting. He later graduated with BA Hon’s Fine Art from Livepool John Moores University.
Karen Betts: Graduating with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art & Ceramica at the Bedford Art College, UK, in 2004 Karen moved to Cyprus and gained a post-graduate diploma in fine art at the Cyprus College of Art.
New Exhibitions
Christos Christou
at Opus 39
A quality Paphian-Paris connection here leads to superlative paintings with very much –a vision of its own. They are gentle and loving.
Although I’m not sure where the models hail from? Could they be French? Could they be a secretly Paphian group who come out at canvas time to haunt the artist with charm? Iconic to the drop of a pigmental whisper.
You seem to know this array of characters and they certainly know you.
They watch from their own mysterious abodes.
Christmas cheer
at Apocalypse
THIS is a dazzling show with a thousand and one styles on display.
There is even a gorgeous wedge of sheer yellow pigment, as if Van Gogh’s palette had passed by. Mosaics in harness to wings of glass.
A sensitive, docile Stass.
All kinds of mechanism, some delightfully erotic.
Paintings to sigh for. The gallery has extended ALL three floors.
In fact, the place has turned into a cultural bazaar. High street, high art. Glitter and glitz.
There was even coffee for all last Saturday. An amazing show.
Yet other
Christmas
exhibitions
OTHER galleries too are having Christmas shows.
Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca, has a large amount of small works by many, many artists. Well-known artists from Cyprus and Greece. Some outstandingly good artists from the UK, too. This gallery will surely need an extension soon. The Mixed Christmas opens on Wednesday the 13th.
Gloria has an exhibition of Christmassy smaller works, upstairs in the gallery.
Of course, there is the huge and drawn out auction at the Hilton these days of which I know you will better check by looking at the previous page. Organised by Gallery k.
Diachroniki gallery Ledras (opposite Debenhams) and Laiki Yitonia, Nicosia, as well as Arch. Makarios Avenue 31, Dhali have large amounts of wonderful paintings-strong on Cypriot imagery.
There are exhibitions, too, in which Santa Claus is not in charge.
Helen Black is at at Diatopos until December 23.
Chrysa Somakou Maki is exhibiting collage and ceramics at Technis Dromena Gallery, Strovolos.
Yiannis Anastasiou has ceramics at Theatro Ena Gallery, Limassol.
Pieris Lambrou has a painting exhibition "Sea Spirits" opening tomorrow Saturday, December 16 at Intercollege, at 8pm .
Haris Epaminonda and Daniel Gustav Cramer’s joint exhibition continues until February 6, at The Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art.
Michalis Papadopoulos continues at Heliotropio, Larnaca until the 22nd of the month.
Martyn Meason
onhis Open Studio
ARTIST Martyn Meason has this to say about his contribution to the Open Studio events:
"I used the Open Studios as an opportunity to show two large paintings that have only been exhibited once and which have been stored away, unseen, for the last few years.
"I wanted to see them alongside five or six related works in an attempt to give a sense of an idea developing over time.
"Adi (Atassi) was the only other artist from The Space to open his studio and I hope we offered an interesting contrast for the visitors – my room with seven or eight fairly minimalistic pieces in it and his studio seemingly stuffed to the rafters with hundreds of books, drawings and paintings. He also managed to squeeze in a sofa and several comfy chairs which made his room a much more desirable place to hang out.
"The turnout wasn’t too bad (despite some rainy weather) and in general the response was pretty good. Most people seemed to come during the last few days and to be honest eleven days did seem too long for an event like this. A long weekend may have been more appropriate."
Martyn also went to the Art Awareness talks at the Goethe by Horst Weierstall and Husseyan Ozinal.
"Horst opened with some video clips of new work shown recently in ‘Close Distance’ at Castelliotissa, Nicosia and then, after, a very interesting talk about his career and influences. These ranged from the Fluxus Art Movement in 1960’s Germany, through his studies in England and eventual move to Cyprus.
"He emphasised the importance of drawing in his work, the influence of literature and philosophical writings and described his move into installation, actions and performance.
"Hussayan talked about the war of 1974 as a turning point in his life and the main influence on his work. He described how ‘this war has followed me like a shadow, has created me.’
"He began as a figurative painter but quickly moved towards an abstract, expressionistic style.
"His earlier paintings were very dark, uncomfortable images, one series of collaged paintings being described as like wounds healing. This more recent work uses oppositions of vivid colour – reds floating on green, blues, indigos and almost always black. Intense stuff".
Zenon
Jepras,
at Gloria
Gallery
Excellent, serious figurative painting.
A stark contrast to all those Christmas shows (there is a range of contrasting smaller pieces in an artists ‘mixed’ upstairs, however).
Jepras leaps with pigmental ease from myth, family happenings in all their moods, encompassing grief, humour, and, so beautifully painted. Opening tonight at 7.30pm.

08 December 2006

2009-07-30T05:21:00.001-07:00

Marriage of carving to naOve culture THE Young Engravers 2005 -2006 exhibition, originally organised in Athens by the Etaireia Eikastikon Technon A. Tassos, aiming at presenting the new tendencies in the art of engraving, is being hosted here in Limassol by the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts, E K A T E at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol until the 17th of the month. On Thursday, December 14th at 19.30 there will be a lecture by Hambis Tsangaris at the Lanitis Centre entitled "The marriage of carving to naOve culture". A documentary on the work of the artist will follow, entitled "Hambis’ Fairytales".Meanwhile, Hambis’ book launch and exhibition of silk screens from his Kalikangiari – Cypriot Tales continues until 10 January at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca.Hambis was born in Kondea, Cyprus, in 1947.He writes in his book:" When I was 24, I was fortunate to have met the engraver A.Tassos. He later invited me to join him at his workshop, where he tutored me in my first lessons in engraving, especially in woodcutting. His invitation and special attention influenced and determined my future steps in art. From the age of 25 until 35, I studied graphic arts at the Surikov Institute of Moscow, paying special attention in linocut and woodcutting""Every year, since 1995, during the whole month of August, I offer at Plataniskia free tuition in the art of linocut to anyone who is interested. This is in memory of my great tutor, A. Tassos, who offered the same thing to me." New collective formedA GROUP of 10 artists all living and working in Limassol have formed ‘Cinema#1,’ a new collective. Cinema#1’s collective identity derives from the differing styles and media employed by the creative individuals that make up the group, therefore developing a new visual language through the hybridisation of diversity.The Geoff May Studio will be hosting ‘Cinema#1’s’ anticipated debut exhibition this December, a selection of work from six members of the collective, Louis Begernie, Michael Dettmer, Kelly Norman, Katie Sabry, Mike Turner and Raymond Wilson, will be introducing ‘Cinema#1’ and their exciting new approach to visual art as a hybrid of mediums, cultures and experiences to Limassol. This exhibition, opening on December 13, is an introduction to some of the individuals within the collective and the group as a whole, becoming a preface to anticipated future ‘cinema#1’ exhibitions and events. Cinema#1 is at The Geoff May Studio, 9b Enosesos Street, Limassol. Opening on Wednesday, December 13, 7.30pm, the exhibition will run for one week, daily from 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 7 pm for more information contact Kelly on 99904710.
More on Lemba A CHRISTMAS exhibition takes place at the Cyprus College of Art from December 14, at 7pm until January 6.Stass Paraskos, who founded the Cyprus College of Art in 1951, has exhibited and taught internationally and has been (still is, of course) a great inspiration to his students. Past graduates and resident artists include many famous names such as Rachael Whiteread, Terry Frost and Euan Uglow. The work from this year’s post-graduates covers a wide range of media focusing on painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, multi-media and installation. The simple environment of Cyprus College of Art allows total freedom of expression and a new way for each artist to progress within their wok.The Christmas show will give the public the opportunity to view each postgraduates students’ work. All are welcome to join everyone at 7pm on the opening night, December 14, where artists and tutors alike will be pleased to talk about their work. The show will run over the Christmas period until January 6.Although joined by a common theme of exploring the abundance of nature, culture, history and social structures of Cyprus, these artists come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. An Edinburgh College of Art graduate, Caroline Hepburne-Scott, spent two months last year at the Aboriginal Art Centre near Alice Springs in Australia. Her present paintings deal with the natural environment concentrating on the fragile and transitory elements of the landscape. In the same vein Welsh born Alys Owen also finds inspiration for her work in the organic. Her tactile and seductive 2D drawings and 3D forms draw the viewer in yet at the same time are slightly daunting and unnerving. Cary Wilson observes natural sculptural forms, balancing drawing with painting and finding spatial, linear and colour relationships. Animator and photographer Jennifer Kilgour is also a graduate from Edinburgh College of Art, and is utilising and exploring her Fine Art practice in drawing and painting, specialising in figurative subjects.A number of artists are inspired by the body: Sarah Misselbrook draws from skeletal forms and sensual structures, providing a base for comments on issues surrounding consumption, femininity and feminism. Similarly, Canadian born printmaker Eve Kemp is exploring painting and drawing, drawings that combine the female form with sensitive observational studies of Cypriot flowers, whilst Graham Loder’s subject is body posture, gesture and position. His drawing, painting and photography combine rock formations and body forms into painted Cyprus landscapes.As the exhibition continues until January 6, the Arts Page will inform readers on other exhibitors during the next weeksThe Limassol Studios, too, are having a Christmas exhibition. This will open on Tuesday December 12.The Cyprus College of Art Limassol Studios is at 19, Makedonias Street, off Eleftherias Street, Limassol just behind Limassol castle.
Another Christmas exhibition
THE Gallery k show opened last Saturday and continues until January 6.This exhibition includes works by well-known artists, jewellery and art objectsAlexandros Alexandrakis. An artist of international repute, who became famous through his war drawings. Most of his work shows a propensity for the minimal line. Some works have been reduced almost to the point of abstraction, for the sake of design aestheticsStathis Vatanides. Vatanides’ work is distinguished by his special love for the human figure. The female figure, naked or casually dressed, voluptuous, sensual and, at the same time, fragile, in a state of clear but also controllable sensuality.Aristotelis. He chose to concentrate on the highly traditional field of landscapes, but like others before him, such as Cezanne, he has something entirely fresh and new to bring to the genre. Revisiting Cubism, he incorporates bold expressionistic strokes of brush and palette knife to celebrate the Cypriot landscape and the Mediterranean Sea.Mattheos Christou. The form in Mattheos’ paintings capture a fraction of the essence of our time. Their rich, sensitive world can be seen through the serene and peaceful curved lines of the motional realm.Alexandros Vayianos. The main subjects of his work are portraits and the human figure in general. The individual and his/her different emotional states influence and inspire the artist.Eleanora Gerolemou. Eleanora focuses on the creation of a discrete balanced surface. The refined colour, in relation to the repeated pattern, is the basis of her work.Louciana Papadopoulou. Louciana creates female figures with movement and transparency. She is concerned with the subject matters of meditation, memory and eroticism.Konstantinos Kyrtis. Kyrtis attempts to get beneath the skin of the physical form he paints. For this reason he manages to present human figures that are more complex and with more psychological depth than they first appear to have.Toula Mala. This already established artist won her public by choosing to present the voluptuous and sensual female figure as her main subject matter for her sculpture. Her female figures are alive with sensuality and boldness.Joanna Malgorzata. Joanna works with clay and her main subject is the human figure - a human figure which is full of optimism and love.Also designer jewellery by Marianna Anastasiou and Christiana Merki Sika and objects designed by Uri Geller in aluminium, bronze, porcelain, glass and crystal 20% of the sales will be donated to Alkonides registered charity.
Yet other Christmas exhibitionsOTHER galleries, too, are having Christmas shows.Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca has a large number of small works by many, many artists. There are well-known artists from Cyprus and Greece, some outstandingly good artists from the UK, too. This gallery will surely need an extension soon. The Christmas mixed opens on Wedneday 13th.Gloria has an exhibition of smaller works the very next day on Thursday, December 14. Of course there is the huge and drawn out AUCTION at Gallery k... Some of these works have starting prices of ten thousand pounds. My bet is on the Christofouros Savva drawing of a nude – no, I didn’t pose for it.Diachroniki Gallery Ledras (opposite Debenhams) and Laiki Yitonia, Nicosia as well as Arch. Makarios Avenue 31, Dhali, have large amounts of wonderful paintings - strong on Cypriot imagery.Maki Chrysa Somakou is exhibiting collage and ceramics at Technis Dromena Gallery, Strovolos. Anastassiou also has ceramics at Theatro Ena.
Very specialSKEVI Afantiti invites you to the presentation of her new collection of jewellery, tonight Friday, December 8, at 6pm.at 3e Amaldas Street, Nicosia, Tel 22761655. This wonderful collection continues until December 15. Opening hours: Saturday to Friday 9.301pm and 3pm-8pm.Skevi titles her work “Balance”.
Very, very specialANASTASSIA Nicolaou, now at Forza 9 Gallery, Polis Chrysochos, sends in her poetic comment on her art.Progress made between the knowing, Freedom lost in the quiet power,Blind cells,Visible parameters,Loyal bones connecting,Loose mouths spillingEmpty informationInto mindless fluidLoosing human potential.
New showsTHE Opus 39 exhibition of paintings by Christos Christou opened last Monday, which is after this page goes to bed. So more next week on this dynamic artist with Paris (and Paphian) connections.Helene Black at Diatopos
The Secrets I Am Telling Are YoursThe title of this exhibition may hold THE SECRET to the finely executed art on display but actually its not essential. Each work can be taken on its own. And do they vary? If you jump headlong into Nos 6 and 7 you may wonder why the artist does not pursue the strong themes suggested: bodies (male), like crosses (actually nearby there is a real silver lady carrying a whole burden of them up in the air), then across the gallery what looks like a very well looked after collection of school books. These books are extraordinarily normal, don’t deserve the expensive packaging and are hardly adult. But the "men" in No 7 bathed in silver (armour) evoke control and power. Next to No 7 called “Strange Bedfellows” is an image which could be rows and rows of little tits breasting out of squashed, crumpled black plastic. This one, No 6 is called “Suburban touch”. Nos 6 and 7 are so good and so good together in a mysterious way that when you go downstairs you somehow expect a connection. But there isn’t. Or is there?Downstairs is a brilliant video of a man fluttering like a trapped canary down a coal mine. Or is it that very well known "open air" prison hitting the headlines nearly everyday? Powerful stuff.

01 December 2006

2009-07-30T05:20:00.001-07:00

ARTS PAGE
Young Greek Engravers 2005-2006
The chamber of Fine Arts, EKATE is hosting the Young Engravers 2005 -2006 exhibition on December 6 -17 at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol.It was originally organized in Athens by the Etaireia Eikastikon Technon ‘A. Tassos,’ aiming at presenting the new tendencies in the art of engraving. This tri-annual event, which was first organised in 1991, has come to be regarded as a very important institution. It has always been supported by the Cypriot government, and it is now being promoted by the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture of Cyprus.By selecting the best work among contemporary techniques in engraving this exhibition has been touring around the largest Greek cities for the past two years, ensuring that the work of new Greek engravers is widely seen by the public. This is the fourth time it is taking placeThe exhibition consists of works created by 22 engravers, including two Cypriot artists – Kyriakos Pastides and Panayiotis Panayi. This new generation of artists represents the new tendencies and techniques in engraving, such as, mixed media and multicolour printing, and have been exploring the potential of, and new avenues opened by computerized media. Traditional engraving – on wood, copper, and stone – has been on the retreat, a phenomenon observed not only in Greece but also worldwide. "We have refrained from any form of guiding the work of new artists. We neither support nor exclude any particular technique or tendency. We do not control freedom of expression in Art! The only inviolable rule is the presence of quality!" This is how the president of the Etaireia, Kostas Nitsos, begins his introduction to the illustrated catalogue that accompanies the exhibition.Nitsos will be addressing the public on the opening of the exhibition, and representatives from Eikastiki Etaireia ‘A. Tassos’ will also be present. Furthermore, two distinguished Cypriot engravers, Evgenia Vasiloudi and Hambis Tsangaris will give lectures encouraging the revival of interest, and the promotion of the art of engraving.
EXHIBITION PROGRAMMEThursday December 7th, 19.00The exhibition will be opened by Dr.Eleni Nikita, on behalf of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture.There will be a speech by Kostas Nitsos, the President of the Etaireia ‘A. Tassos’, followed by a lecture entitled "From wood carving to new carving techniques", by Evgenia Vasiloudi.A reception will followThursday, December 14t, 19.30Lecture by Hambis Tsangaris entitled "The marriage of carving to naOve culture". A documentary on the work of the artist will follow entitled "Hambis’ Fairytales".A documentary film on the life and work of the famous Greek engraver A. Tassos will be shown during the exhibition.
*********************

Christmas preview
It’s a bit early but here is a section of an intriguing bit of info from the Cyprus College of Art at LembaStass Paraskos founded the Cyprus College of Art in 1969 and over the years it has become renown as a unique educational and cultural experience. Originating in Famagusta, the college shifted location and has now expanded to two studios retrospectively in the heart of Limassol, and in the village of Lemba, near Paphos. The Great Wall of Lemba, a collaboration of past and present student’s work, has become a well known artistic inspiration and tourist attraction."The recent electric storms and torrential rain has caused havoc in many places throughout Cyprus and the College of Art in Lempa has been no exception. With the heavy rain finding the way through crevices and cracks in the roof and streams wending their way through the studios, students had first hand knowledge of what it is like to work in the varied environment of this Mediterranean country. The contingency in this year’s Fine Art Postgraduate Diploma have come from the far and wide: the United Kingdom, Ireland, America, Canada, Poland, Finland and Germany All are studying for eight months in this unconventional yet individual and inspirational college. The students aim is to soak up the atmosphere of Cyprus and they have certainly experienced a myriad of weather conditions in their first month". More later on the Christmas Exhibition at Cyprus College of Art 14 December 2006 at 7 pm. until January 6 2007
********************************
Pharos Centre of Contemporary Art
Cypriot artist Haris Epaminonda and German artist Daniel Gustav Cramer have presented their first joint exhibition at the Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art and it will continue until 6 February.Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art is hosting the exhibition of these two exciting emerging artists who have never formally worked together, but have yet maintained an exploratory open dialogue investigating issues – connections and dualisms – that arise from their individual practices.The two artists first met at the Royal College of Art, London, where they both took their MA in 2003. Their careers also have Cyprus as a connecting point: Haris Epaminonda grew up in Nicosia and currently lives and works in Nicosia and London, while Daniel Gustav Cramer, based in Berlin and London, has previously worked extensively in Cyprus while completing his work Trilogy.
At the Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art, Epaminonda will show a series from collages and a video, based on personal archives of found imagery. This work has marked the beginning of an ongoing project where the artist collects and reassembles both found images and footage, thus the use of various forms of collage, video, books ,etc informing the work. Cramer will be showing photographic work from his ongoing work Trilogy (Woodland, Underwater, Mountain), a work which has, over the past four years, developed into an archive of images of the world bereft of any human presence. Pharos Centre of Contemporary Art will be publishing a fully illustrated catalogue which will also document this exhibition, including an essay specially commissioned by Dr Jonathan Miles, designed by Herman Lelie.
******************* New exhibitions
Michella Psara at Argo
A complete calmness fills the Argo space. The pictures may have a subject but really it doesn’t matter as they are sublime abstracts and stand for and as themselves. One shake or tremor and the whole lot of beautiful paintings would soon return and restore us to calm again. These are very necessary works. Especially now.At a time when calamitous environments push our nervous minds towards a noisy expressionism here comes an array of paintings which restore our faith in silence. It is the diligent care with various media which also impresses. Various things: tissue used for fibreglass (rather like horse hair or cobwebs which you feel could flutter so very softly in the breeze), wax,.the thinnest of darkened thread, cardboard, knobbles of paint a bit like sago floating in milk. A little colour exactly in the right place, and, most importantly the right density for the whole wonder. Secure, timeless and of course extremely beautiful.
----Argyris Constantinou at Gloria Gallery
A welcome return. The artist has somewhat changed his themes and style. Now in full colour but painted with meticulous care. Paint areas float into the next one around with subtle sensitivity. The shoppers in the market are engrossed in the beauty of vegetables, fruit and their own garments passing through an amazing amount of gorgeous colour that one fears we will lose when supermarkets conquer these harmonious open air market days; which I’m afraid they will. But these shoppers still have a tranquil beauty surrounded by living things,. Look closely at the women’s faces. They resemble and appear like icons amidst the fruits of the earth.
. ---
Baraka Akamantis
Panos Tsringas shows at10 Egypt Street near Paphos Gate This delightful, airy and beautifully lit (by daylight or lamp ) space which is part of Pyrgos Congress Ltd has been most carefully hung with some superb "paintings" by Panos Tsringas a young artist from Greece. The pictures actually veer to collage. The artist can apply bits of burlap stuck on canvas to portray some excellent ‘portraits’. Even better is when he chooses one interest and surrounds it with old (found, I presume) wooden boards. One wonderful example is "Trophy" in which real horns with a wooden animal (?) head fits into and conquers its visual and tactile environment. Pieces of sacking (burlap) can have been saturated in oil colour and given a superb density which when "fronted" by a painted figure and backed by rough timber can be quite brilliant. Moving and spatially disturbing. ---
Uri Geller atGallery kMissed the spoons in action but just caught the art objects before they were packed away. Loved the lot. Exquisite, desirable. If there are any still left during the seasonal change over -- buy.
***************** The Brave Little Tailor
How the children love it on these Sunday mornings. Gathered every week at the Satyrico Theatre, Strovolos, Nicosia, they have come to enjoy Heinz-Uwe Haus play of the well-loved tale by the Brothers Grimm. Xenia Michael makes a wonderful Tailor. Her speaking voice is very musical and she (as he) sings wonderfully too while her movements are direct and clear It soon becomes obvious that Haus is as at home writing plays as he is at directing them. The revolving stage is used – as it was in his memorable "Mother Courage" and its is reassuring to know that the sensitive director of this play, Marianne Kafkaridou, is the daughter of the actress (Despina Bembidelli) who played that famous role (with Uwe directing) here in Cyprus and in Greece a couple of decades ago.The design and costumes by Loizos Loizou are rich in atmosphere and detail. The Tailor moves from place to place with ease and able young actors pop up all over the places in the story. Happy, evocative music is by Andreas Georgallides.Congratulations Hainz –Uwe Haus, the Cyprus Theatre is still yours.

24 Nobember 2006

2009-07-30T05:19:00.003-07:00

Cyprus College of Art’s
Limassol Studios
I TOOK the bus, alighted at Limassol by the castle and walked along Eleftherias Street, gazing at what used to be the Regal Cinema tucked away on the corner of Makedonias Street.
I peered in, saw an array of paintings (continuing until December 8, 10am to 5 pm, excellent) which were very lively, serious and totally new to me. Above and behind the screens was the spacious, almost cavernous, shell of the old movie house. Where I imagine the screen used to be there was a bed for a nude to recline on for life drawing classes. The rest of the cavernous space was filled with open cubicles, each one as large as my own studio, and, just as private.
At the very first one. I saw and relished a kind of homage to Cezanne surrounded by beautiful drawings of the human form. It wasn’t a Cezanne but I was immediately connected to the Kyrenia range. And, of course, the colour was more profuse than the old master. This marvellous painting I discovered was by Orthodoxia, a student at the Limassol Studios.
It was quite early, around 10 in the morning, when one imagines the mythical artist is dreaming away, but at 19 Makedonias Street the art students were already arriving for the morning’s session.
The artist lecturer at the Foundation and Course Leader, Phil Bird, whose disc of him playing and singing to his guitar is on at my own studio this very moment (and its wonderful) arrived to take me around.
We passed area after area, each one very much having an impression of its own.
The resident’s art and soul; a charcoal sketch of a nude propped up against a chair, a canvas of a most unusual landscape in colours I had never connected together before.
But it certainly worked.
Lots of paint and brushes, of course.
I must say I did feel the urge to be young again and have a Limassol cubicle on my own - with others. Many, many works on the environment’s walls certainly impressed.
Promising, unfinished paintings, too. Works developing on their own. Works now complete. Textures merging into form.
Painting is alive and well and it is in Limassol, almost by the sea. It is reassuringly like being allowed into the artist’s attics of yore. For one moment, I thought that if I looked over a cubicle surround, I would see the streets of Paris.
Full of energy, creativity, talent and drive, the Limassol studios totally impress.
Limassol Studios is associated with Cyprus College of Art Lemba.
To apply for any of the excellent programmes:
If you live in Cyprus only:
Andreas Efstathiou, Cyprus College of Art, 19 Makedonias Street, Limassol 3041.
Telephone 99565184 Fax: 26964269 Email: enquiries@artcyprus.org
If you live outside Cyprus:
Dr Michael Paraskos, Cyprus College of Art, PO Box 304, Leeds L56 3YN, England.
Outstandingly
original
ANDREAS Makariou is at Apocalypse Gallery.
Did I get it wrong? Were these ladies in high heels, golden locks and always holding things like startled fish posing as codpieces NOT from our very own TV Wakey, Wakey?
On meeting the Paphian artist at the impressive opening I bluntly asked him questions, such as "Have you a German background?" to which he replied "No".
Well, wherever this top-drawer artist hails from, he is certainly brilliant at his use of paint. His use of oils is magnificent.
Every area of his canvases is supreme. A dab of red, placed perfectly, turns a toothpick-like stick into a lit cigarette. The forms of his women are brazenly tactile. Thighs and calves are as solid as, well, ‘solid flesh,’ while the tumble of breasts are desires in lyrical couplets.
I have an idea that these paintings are saying something very deep about Cypriot sexual relationships.
The delicate balance twixt male and female which the artist has tapped into is intuitively brilliant. Majestic paintings.
Deep and extremely sensual.
One of our Cyprus problems made flesh.
Outstandingly original work.
Ceramic sculpture
DR Nadia Anaxagorou , Director Cultural Services, Limassol Municipality, will open this ceramic sculpture exhibition by Ilias Boudaniotis at Orpheus Gallery, Limassol, tomorrow, Saturday, November 25, at 7.30pm.
The exhibition will continue until December 10.
Ilias Boudaniotis, from Athens, is presenting his first solo exhibition in Cyprus with a collection of his latest ceramic sculptures at the Orpheus Gallery, Limassol.
Extract from an article by Maro Kerassioti, in International Ceramic Art Review, August 2004: "In a world full of colours, Ilias Boudaniotis displays his toys. Toys, which appear to be for him the links between life and creation. Through them he reveals his inner thoughts, exorcises his fears and in the most silent way speaks about himself and his friends. The real and the imaginary world around him, how he would like to be and how it seems though he knows it is not.
"He moulds the clay as easily as children dream. He gives it form, brings it to life and endows his creations with a little bit of himself."
In 2002 he received the Best Artist award at the 26th international Porcelain Symposium in Walbrzych, Poland.
Another first for Brio
Expressions
BRIO Expressions have sent the Arts Page their own information.
"We have secured what promises to be one of the most important and exciting art exhibitions of 2006. To launch 7.30pm, on Wednesday, December 6, it will exhibit works of the one of the most celebrated and important Cypriot artists of our generation, Andreas Charalambides.
"Andreas Charalambides will personally open the exhibition, which is based upon the 12 images from the folio "Cinyras King and Hierophant" and is titled the same.
"As well as 12 lithographs and other works of the celebrated artist, the exhibition will also feature poetry by Athina Charalambides."
The exhibition’s launch (7.30pm, Wednesday, December 6, 2006) by former Interior Minister and now mayoral candidate Andreas Christou, will be open to the public and will feature cocktails and canapes.
The exhibition will run until Saturday, December 23, 2006 and private parking is available for visitors.
For further details: 25879911.
Tesserae
twice
SHARON Taylor has a show on at Opus 39, in Nicosia.
Sharon Taylor has an insatiable passion for her work in mosaic design.
Her artistic skills came at an early age and, in 1982, she achieved her degree in sculpture at Exeter College of Art and Design. Her inquisitive appetite is infinite developing to a broad understanding of the nature of materials and material science utilised in her work. During 1983-1986, she acquired a qualification in Archaeological Conservation. At Opus 39, Sharon will display a fine selection of her works.
Employed by the Conservation Unit of the British Museum, Sharon came to Cyprus initially for three months with the objective of preserving antiquities and training local museum staff.
The Dona Papadopoulou exhibition, at Aerino Kentro Technon Limassol, will be opened by Dr Klito Ioannides on Friday, November 24, at 7.30pm.
It continues until December 3 and will include mosaics made by the artist over the last three years.
Greek mythology and Byzantine period loom large.
Laying down
their vision
Sorry, I did not have full photographic abilities to the wonderful images in the Open Studios that I saw within Nicosia’s old walls.
I will try to make up for it when I get hold of the official catalogue which was, unfortunately, late in appearing, and present you with the art of all the artists; including those I did not get the opportunity to visit (closed, rain, shoddy pavements).
This most positive of art actions must continue.
With the map of the whole of Nicosia as their trademark, they lay down their vision.
Kyklos
delight
THERESA French has an exhibition at Kyklos Gallery.
She is a well-known water colour artist whose works has been delighting Paphians and others for many years.
The exhibition opens on Friday, December 1, at 7pm.
20 % of her sales will go to the Friends’ Hospice, Paphos.
The Friend’s Hospice opened in April, 2006 and is currently situated at the Evangelismos Hospital in Paphos.
It provides care for all members of the community regardless of status, religion or ability to pay.
For information tel 26911641 or www.paphoshospice.org.
Mikella Psara
at Argo Gallery
THIS exhibition has opened already but have not seen it yet.
Michella is certainly one of our topmost painters.
Her work is so sensitive and pure.
In other words, an outstanding painter, anywhere, especially in this chaotic period we seem to be going through.
Next week
YOUNG Greek Engravers 2005-2006 at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol. Full report next week.

16 November 2006

2009-07-30T05:19:00.001-07:00

Glafkos Koumides at Argo
Here is a superb exhibition at Argo Gallery by a Cypriot artist – now living in Germany – who is equally at home with conceptual art or painting. His present exhibition is mostly of paintings and they are often of landscapes or seascapes with suggestions of a lonely Surrealisim. What appears to be a piano floats in a silent estuary. Images from past 20th century masterpieces hover in respect to our current emptiness. It’s as if Cubism has lost its roots and starts searching for another course. A landscape full of trees is silent. No wind is blowing. The trees do not speak to each other. These great paintings reek of a great loss. The very land we stand on is shifting away.
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Lazaris Argyrou at Kypriaki Gonia
“Light and Colour from Cyprus” is the title of this exhibition of watercolours and mosaics at Kypriaki Gonia in Larnaca, which continues until 30 November.Lazaris Argyrou was born in 1938 in the village of Agrokipia in the district of Nicosia and is the eldest son of a rural family of nine children. As soon as he finished his primary education he began his struggles for a living, working at his parents’ farm and later as a mason. At various times of his life he worked as a miner in the ore mines of Mitsero and Agrokipia.He started drawing and painting at an early age. He would gather coloured ore rocks from the mine area or small chunks of house plaster to use them as materials to draw or paint on the cobblestones of a threshing floor or on the flat surfaces or rocks abounding in the riverbed of Serrahis.He bought his first watercolour paints and paper in 1960. Between 1962 and 1964 he followed the Athens ABC correspondence art course. Since 1968 he has been actively involved in sculpture and as from 1995 he regularly attends a studio in Nicosia and draws the nude. Recently, since 2000 he has been actively involved in mosaic work.Hambis the engraver comments: " In the 1960s, we worked side by side at various construction sites in Nicosia, he as a builder and me a worker. At the time , Lazaris Argyrou was taking his first steps. He walked, however, down familiar paths. He painted the world he both knew and loved. He praised through his art the tormented miners, the workers and the farmers, as well as the natural beauty of our very own Cyprus. His purity and solemnity, combined with his outpouring talent, accompanied him, and he expressed, simply and honestly, the truth that surrounds him."Costas Graecos the journalist and author comments further:" Our outstanding and stylistically unique artist Lazaris Argyrou is one of the finest watercolour masters of our country. He has achieved great progress in this genre and has reached very high levels of artistic completeness. Above and beyond the correct layout of the design and the harmonious realisation of the composition, what distinguishes his work, as before, is his palette, clearly Cypriot and bright, which expresses the very characteristics of the Cypriot sun.Following along in this direction, Lazaris’ work with light and colour over the years has led him to high levels of depiction, and, today, in his new works, his colours have reached such a sense of idealisation that they themselves are transubstantiated into light, into a blinding and harmonious sense of colour, clearly local and our own, one which differs greatly from the dull colours we encounter in other lands, and one which constitutes a hymn to optimism and to our faith in life".
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Snapshots
Andreas Makariou is showing at Apocalypse Gallery and we’ll all be there tonight (at 7 pm) to see what our most dynamic artist has in store. This time he has taken a pigmental swipe at the gruesome Wake Up Call, and we’ll be given a canvasy load of sighs, thighs, wigs and bras but not the soft focusing, thank heavens. Makariou is a social critic with a brush in his hand and – possibly - a smile on his face. And such a powerful expression too. He uses paint with the delicacy of a trowel. The result can be, to be exact, quite alarming. Excellent. Just what we need.
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Close distance
Castelliotissa was fully packed last week. Dedicated artists of Open Studios closed their doors earlier and dashed to a darkened room full of conceptual intriguaries by Horst Weierstall. Videos, too demonstrating the complexities of our city these days.Later there was a play by the "Lost Spirit Theatre Group’ directed by the Iranian theatre director Hooman Shabahang (winner of 1st prize at the 9th International Theatre Festival at Lorrach, Germany 2005).This was written by Mashhoud Mohsenian and designed by Hooman. The solo performer was Narges Abdi. A Goethe-Zentrum, Nicosia event.
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Open Studios Within the Walls of Nicosia.
Something went wrong this year. Blame the weather and perhaps the fact that so many artists who have their studios inside the walls of Nicosia seem to be living (or working - in other jobs ) - out. Perhaps next year it should only be for three or four days and artists requested to stay amongst their work both mornings and afternoons. These are certainly not part-time artists or Sunday painters. Many are the best we have. And the work can be superb.It’s still the most positive event of the year. An essential occasion.Remember the group of artists, Greek and Turkish and others have taken their own initiative. Artists are bridge makers. The catalogue of Open Studios states:"The only Visual Arts Festival which unites and rejuvenates the historical centre of Nicosia is being organised for the third time within its walls, having gained the interest of the public the recognition and support of the state.”With the map of the whole of Nicosia as their trademark they lay down their vision.
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Dr Vassos Lyssarides at Famagusta Gate
It’s the colour that does it. The fact that Dr Lyssarides, a much-travelled man who surely gets his visual (painting) information from here and not his travels suggests that all of our painters would be better staying at home. For learning how to paint. In colour that is. Not black and white filled with a blush. The island IS colour and so many of our artists who travel to study art often throw off their birthright. Once they are into various ‘isms’ (others’ isms) they get trapped in pigmental neatnesses which, of course, is not colour but an apology for filling in the canvases. There are, of course, our famous painters who have travelled to study, BUT the good ones were strong on colour before they left; especially the first and some of the second generation: Savva, for example who never lost out on the Messaoria. He took it to France with him, I suppose and kept it all his life. Upstaging the French. Vassos Lyssarides is a born colourist and has retained his birthright. This is because he had it, to start with. The two long rooms at Famagusta Gate are a joy. This is pure painting from the roots of the environment. Colour culled from our landscape. Colour from flowers. Colour from everyday things caught in the light of this country. And, of course, his colour speaks to us, and speaks to the world for us too.

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Mixed at En Plo
Following on from their very successful ‘SIMPLY CYPRUS’ exhibition in April this year, Print Art Consultancy in association with Curium Gallery, Limassol have organised another exhibition at the En Plo, in Paphos harbour. Having an ‘open theme’ it will feature over 20 artists and 100 paintings. As with their previous exhibitions, the organisers have managed to bring together both well known established painters along side some talented up and coming artists. The result is a pleasing mix of subjects, styles and medium appealing to all tastes.One of the established artists, Mandy Bunn from Paphos, a professionally trained artist who has built a reputation for fine watercolour pet portraits has produced some different work for the exhibition including a dancer tying ballet shoe ribbons, whilst Jane Jukes remains true to her popular nautical themes.There is also a large range of limited edition fine art prints reproduced from a selection of the artists’ work. The exhibition runs from 19th November through until 27th NovemberFor further information or details on how to exhibit in the future please call either Print Art Consultancy on 25580726 or Curium Gallery on 25342501.
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09 Nobember 2006

2009-07-30T05:18:00.001-07:00

NOT SO OPEN
All these Open Studios!
Some artists could have been out to lunch. Doesn’t anyone use their studio when the daylight is peering through those attic windows of yore? Downstairs, the pavements in the old town are crumbling. Cars snap at your ankles.Try again, do. More next week. Open Studios, the unique visual arts festival of the capital has already reopened its doors for 10 days. Greek and Turkish Cypriot artists are welcoming the public into their workplaces. Saturday, November 11: a walking tour into the Cypriot artist’s studios together with the artist Nicholas Panayi. Starting point is Kyrenia Municipality Building, near Ledra Palace.Friday, November 10, 5pm-7pm: Walking tours into the Cypriot artists’ studios. Starting points from Eleftheria and Saray squares. Maps are available at a kiosk in Eleftheria and Saray squares, the CTO office in Laiki Yitonia, and at the EKATE office, 7 Achilleos Street, tel 22 466426.For further information ; organiser Argyro Toumazou, 99 317278atoumazou@cytanet.com.cyA toal of 22 artists are participating: Efi Andrianou, Stella Angelidou, Adi Atassi, Martin Meason, Ayhatun Atesin, Lia Boyiatzi, Sevcan Cerkez, Sinem Ertaner, Andreas Charalambous, Christos Christou, Pola Hadjipapa–McCammon, Angela Evangelou, Panayiotis Gregoriou, Nilgun Guney, Koula Kalvari, Stefanos Karampampas, Eleni Povi-Karavioti, Osman Ketan, Savvas Koureas, Fatos Miralay, Nicholas Panayi, Toprak, Maria Vasileou, Maria Yiannoura, Munevver Tantura.More on these next week.
These shoes are made for talking
Ayhatun Atesin has a show at 8 Koroglu Street, Arabahmet, (2pm-6pm on November 1-3 and from 11am November 4 and 5. The owner of these shoes is in Istanbul at the moment. A wall of ceramic forms bulges with interest as you pop in to Ayhatun’s studio. Inside are many ceramic shoes and, while there, I saw a video of the artist’s work, which should be screened all over town. She tells the Tale of the Silent Walk: "It began in March 2005 on International Women’s Day. A symposium was arranged to be held at Mersin University."It happened that diverse cultures met in Mersin and women from all over the world came together to engage in dialogue, meeting at a point where one was aware of one’s womanhood and of being an artist. 24 women artists from all over the world to exhibit their works at the Fine Arts Museum A new theme and ensuing slogan ‘Women Make Peace’ was born, in response to the horrors caused by the ongoing war and the women were asked to work on this theme."I thought of a labyrinth map of the capital of Nicosia. The dead-end streets of the labyrinth were like the cold, dead-end fact of war. In some corners of the labyrinth were broken shoes that had jumped from the wall and lay there sideways. This was the fate of individuals who had tried to escape the mainstream. In other parts, I tried to show the desperation of those who tried to go back when faced with walls."I called this ‘The Silent Walk’. Silent but containing screams within it."Ayhatun first encountered clay with Ayniye Ezil in 1986. She had a joint workshop with English artist Jill Crowley at the Barbican Art Gallery, London in 1993, participated in the UFACSI group exhibitions in Valencia, Spain 1994, Brussels, Belgium in 1997, Lille, France in 199 head a workshop with artist Anton Nussbichler and an exhibition entitled ‘Orient and the Oxidant’, in Holzoster, Austria in 1998. She has also been involved in a bicommunal ceramics exhibition at Ledra Palace in 2004 and is involved in Open Studios.
Glafcos Koumides at ArgoHERE is a superb exhibition by a Cypriot artist - now living in Germany – who is equally at home with conceptual art or painting. His present exhibition is mostly of paintings and they are often of landscapes or seascapes with suggestions of a lonesome surrealism. What appears to be a piano floats in a silent estuary. Images from past 20th century masterpieces hover in respect to our current emptiness. It is as if Cubism has lost its roots and started searching for another course. A landscape full of trees is silent. No wind is blowing. The trees do not speak to each other. These great paintings reek of a great loss. The very land we stand on is shifting away.
Handmade objects
EVANGELIA Koumidou Simopoulou has an exhibition at the Hilton Park Hotel from November 10 –12.‘The Other Art,’ is an additional part of the exhibition that reveals her multi-dimensional talent, is a number of hand-made faux bijoux, bracelets, pins and necklaces using natural materials eg pompoms made of wool, leather ribbons, fur and other everyday objects that are upgraded to a new dimension (buttons and beads)The Christmas collection comprises wreaths, garlands, candlesticks, baskets and hand made tree decorations made of cloth and silk ribbons.
US artist in Nicosia
THE American artist Juan Carlos Valencia is at Alpha Gallery.Entitled ‘Instant Chromatics,’ the show opened on Wednesday. The exhibition is organised in association with the Hellenic American Union in Greece and is taking place on the occasion of the opening of the Hellenic American Union’s branch in Cyprus. Among the organisation’s aims is to increase the cultural exchanges between Cyprus, Greece and the United States.Juan Carlos Valencia was born in 1971. In 1989 he began his studies in art and fashion at the Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. He continued his studies in 1993 in painting and sculpture at the Ecole Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. In 1995 he entered the studio of the Greek sculptor Aristides Patsoglou in Paris and participated in a number of projects. He has exhibited his work in numerous group and solo exhibitions in the United States and Europe."The paintings of Juan Carlos Valencia are characterised by his choice of a neo-pop idiom, since the artist relies on the appropriation of the style and the "second hand" imagery familiar to us from pop art. “The themes of Valencia’s sculptures are animals, primarily dogs and birds, which are portrayed as symbols of strength, freedom and liveliness.“Sensual female forms, show via selected detail of the focus of their sexuality – lips, nipples, limbs – women smokers, threatening revolvers, forms engaged in dialogue with animals, these are what make up the primary thematic areas of Valencia’s painting. These themes seem in turn to spring from the customary domains of pop art: advertising, comic strips, and cinema. “Flat and lively colours create the central motif against a white canvas background, untreated and devoid of any other clues, while drops and clusters of spots produce an illusion of movement, swinging to and fro against a level backdrop”.Until November 11, corner of Makarios Ave and Papanicola Street, Nicosia (Hilton area).Opening hours are Monday–Saturday 11am– 7.30pm.
Anastasia Chrysanthou at Opus 39
ANASTASIA Chrysanthou ‘s exhibition was opened by Andreas Ladomatos at Opus 39 but closes tomorrow. Hurry. This is an extremely good debut. A young artist who excels in figurative paintings is rare on these shores and Anastasia gives every work both a strength and a sensuality. Young and talented indeed.
Highly romantic
Demetris Michlis in Gloria’s Gallery and to say this exhibition is highly romantic is an understatement. Both spaces – up and down – in the gallery emote warmth and passion .Flowers bloom, petals fall - as does the occasional underwear - and love is in the air. Extremely well painted work too.Bye, bye chilly acrylic. Welcome sensual oil. An absolutely top class emotional show. Callas would be envious. High notes gorgeous. Tactilian surfaces irresistible. Sketch drawing
THIS excellent exhibition of drawings at Amorgos has wonderful work by well established artists but some notable newcomers, too, including Mariza Bargilly and Harris Kafkarides where fine art meets theatre with style and talent.
And also…
THE excellent exhibition by Taminamides at Apocalypse closes tomorrow. The Alexandra - Bacht Safarou exhibition has opened at Heliotropio, Larnaca, continuing until November 28. Eliza Petri’s exhibition opens at Opus 39 on November 13.New paintings by Demosthenis Kolassides at Kyklos Gallery, Paphos, until November 22.Uri Geller’s paintings and drawings at Gallery k until December 4. Constantinos Stephanou at Morphi Gallery, Limassol until the 24th of the month.
Kikos Lanitis at Bottega InteriorsAFTER 41 solo exhibitions in art galleries, museums, symposiums and a five year journey of his work Kikos says: "Easy access to digital technology and the close proximity of fine art with the world of advertising and industry, is threatening to destroy the capability and perspective of artists and is leading art to a contemporary, cultural paranoia.The ‘disguised artists’ have found an exit, and the "theorists" have used the ‘elevation’ of their existence by writing pages of explanations imposing this phenomenon. Opposed to worldwide ‘’industrial art," Kikos Lanitis gives special significance to the handwork of the artist. His 2006 artwork revolves around the controversy surrounding globalisation and poses the contemplative question and statement. (Will do my utmost to get down to this). Closes Thursday, November 30. La Bottega Interiors is at Thekla Lyssioti Street, Limassol.
Venice Biennial 2007
CALL for Cypriot participation in the 52nd International Exhibition of Contemporary Art June 10-November 21, 2007.Tracy (from up’ North) is representing UK, remember.Contact Ministry of Education and Culture.Cultural Services (central building, 2nd floor, Room 207), Corner of Kimonas and Thoucidides streets, Nicosia.Participation proposals should be submitted by Monday, January 8, 2007, noon.

02 Nobember 2006

2009-07-30T05:02:00.001-07:00

Nicos Nicolaides 1884–1956
REMEMBERING Nicos Nicolaides - Fifty Years Since His Death, is a superb exhibition at the House of Letters and Arts, Limassol until November 9. It will transfer to the Laiki Group’s Cultural Centre on the 14th of the month, continuing until December 4.As written by Dr Eleni S. Nikita – who opened the Limassol exhibition – and , indeed has provided the art world with a beautiful book on this great artist, "Nicos Nicolaides was, in essence, a self-taught painter." His knowledge of art was acquired through the study of Byzantine art, museum exhibits and through a careful observation of the world around him. That is why in his better, more mature, moments, his paintings possess the authenticity of a uniquely idiosyncratic style. Amongst the selection of paintings acquired for this "Remembering" exhibition, are works of his beloved Cairo and elsewhere on the Middle East, as well as some remarkable portraits and also paintings of Cyprus.
Tanimanides at ApocalypseA BRILLIANT exhibition by an artist from Greece who has made such an impression here in this decade. The artist also created the magnificent interior designs for the Central Bank.In his new work, Eros meets Power (Structure), as if the twain have always been well met. Superb work. Prices very reasonable for such great work.
Open Studios, the original"OPEN Studios", the unique visual arts festival of the capital, has reopened its doors for 10 days.Greek and Turkish Cypriot artists welcome the public into their studios. Visit them and get a real taste of the world of art and the old town of Nicosia.How great to find this most positive of exhibitions still going on Saturday, November 4 & 11. A walking tour into the Cypriot artists’ studios with the artist Nicholas Panayi. Starting point Kyrenia Municipality Building, near Ledra Palace.Friday, November 3 & 10, 5pm–7pm. Walking tours into the artists’ studios. Starting points from Eleftheria Square and Saray Square.Saturday, November 4, 7pm-midnight. An experimental-artistic street event entitled ‘Biogenetic Mechanico - Of Ruinous Blast’ will happen at the Anexitilon art & design studio of the artist Savvas Koureas. The purpose of the event will be the presentation of the avant- garde and cross-active artistic work of the artist, with the aid of live underground electronic music, and multimedia. Sunday, November 5, 7pm. Presentation-lecture by two artists at the Goethe Institute, part of the Art-Aware Pogramme. Artists: Sofia Hadjipapa and Osman Kelen.Monday, November 6, 8pm-10pm. Opening night of exhibition (6-13/11) by German artist Horst Weierstall A video installation entitled "close distance," informed and inspired by the multi-cultural situation and emigrants of Cyprus. It includes a range of videos made in collaboration with the Iranian theatre director Hooman Shabahang. On opening and closing night there will be a solo performance under the title "Cocoon" with the actress Narges Abdi, also from Iran.Sunday, November 12 , 7.30pm-10pm.Final party at the Arabahmet Cultural Centre in the Turkish Cypriot quarter where artists will show and talk about their wok.Maps are available at a kiosk in Eleftheria Square and Saray Square, the CTO office in Laiki Yitonia, and at the office of EKATE, 7 Achilleos Street, tel 22 466426.For further information: Organiser Argyro Toumazou 99 317278.atoumazou@cytanet.com.cyA total of 22 artists are participating: Efi Andrianou, Stella Angelidou, Adi Atassi, Martin Meason, Ayhatun Atesin, Lia Boyiatzi, Sevcan Cerkez, Sinem Ertaner, Andreas Charalambous, Christos Christou, Pola Hadjipapa-McCammon, Angela Evangelou, Panayiotis Gregoriou, Nilgun Guney, Koula Kalvari, Stefanos Karampampas, Eleni Povi-Karavioti, Osman Ketan, Savvas Koureas, Fatos Miralay, Nicholas Panayi, Toprak, Maria Vasileou, Maria Yiannoura, Munevver Tantura.
Together againLAST day for the joint Votsis/Paraschos exhibition at Gallery Morphi, Limassol.Could have been Vincent and Paul, Francis and Lucian, Andy W and Basquith, David and Goliath!Well, in this enigmatic show, Stelios Votsis has done the drawings while Stass Paraschos has filled in with colour and it is the right way round. It works – for a while. I’m getting tired of those haloes.
Press release from Alpha GalleryALPHA Gallery has a show by the American artist Juan Carlos Valencia.It is entitled Instant Chromatics and opened on Wednesday. The exhibition is organised in association with the Hellenic American Union in Greece and is taking place on the occasion of the opening of the Hellenic America Union’s branch in Cyprus. Among the organisation’s aims is to increase the cultural exchanges between Cyprus, Greece and the United States.Juan Carlos Valencia was born in 1971. In 1989 he began his studies in art and fashion at the Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. He continued his studies in 1993 in painting and sculpture at the Ecole Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. In 1995, he entered the studio of the Greek sculptor Aristides Patsoglou, in Paris, and participated in a number of projects. He has exhibited his work in numerous group and solo exhibitions in the United States and Europe.The paintings of Juan Carlos Valencia are characterised by his choice of a neo-pop idiom, since the artist relies on the appropriation of the style and the "second hand" imagery familiar to us from pop art. The themes of Valencia’s sculptures are animals, primarily dogs and birds, which are portrayed as symbols of strength, freedom and liveliness. Sensual female forms, shown via selected detail of the focus of their sexuality – lips, nipples, limbs – women smokers, threatening revolvers, forms engaged in dialogue with animals, these are what make up the primary thematic areas of Valencia’s painting. These themes seem, in turn, to spring from the customary domains of pop art: advertising, comic strips, and cinema. Flat and lively colours create the central motive against a white canvas background, untreated and devoid of any other clues, while drops and clusters of spots produce an illusion of movement, swinging to and fro against a level backdrop.Until November 11, corner of Makarios Ave and Papanicola Street, Nicosia (Hilton area).Opening hours are Monday –Saturday 11am-7.30pm.
Pebbles and PuddlesKEITH Walker shows his latest work at Forza 9 Gallery in Polis Chrysochous. The opening is on Friday, November 10 and the exhibition will run for two weeks until November 24.Keith Walker’s latest project is called "Pebbles and Puddles". Inspired by beach pebbles and mine pools found in the Polis Chrysochous area, the artist created a series of mixed media works executed in an abstract expressive style.About his work the artist states: "Collecting pebbles, minerals and fossils has been an interest since childhood. Their shapes, colours, patterns, texture and form give continuing pleasure and readily translate into compositions in paint. "Certain qualities will dominate and determine the approach, with the composition being built up in layers allowing chance elements to inform further development."Similarly, the reflective qualities and translucency of water give wonderful opportunities for playing and experimenting with the process"Keith Walker has lived in Cyprus for almost 20 years. Three years ago, he retired from full-time art teaching to open his own gallery in Lasa village near Phyti in the Paphos district. His work ranges from abstract oil and mixed media paintings to nude studies in pastel, chalk and charcoal.He was one of the 43 artists taking part in last September’s Open Studios (in the Paphos District) and had had exhibitions in Cyprus at Paradise Place in Pomos, the Art & Wild Nature Foundation Gallery in Kallepia, En Plo in Paphos Harbour, Techni Art School in Paphos and recently in Art Gallery Kinotos 3000 in Polis.Forza Gallery opened its doors this spring in the heart of Polis Chrysochos aiming to create a cultural platform where innovative artists can present their work to local and foreign residents, tourists and – through digital media – to other galleries and cultural centres in Cyprus and abroad.The interaction that results from exhibiting their work will help artists to further expand their scope and the audience has a chance to experience the diverse, trend-setting and creative activities of the cultural scene in Cyprus. Forza is open everyday from 10am-2pm and 5pm-8pm.
Paschalis Anastasi at Diachroniki GalleryPASCHALIS studied art and design in England at Loughborough College of Art. A frequent visitor to galleries in London, Paris and Florence, he has worked for many years as a portrait artist, a discipline that earned him an exceptional mastery of drawing.Diachroniki Gallery is almost opposite Debenhams, just off Ledra Street, Nicosia.Continuing until November 28.
More and more openings. SHORT sessions for shows as if all our art is going out of style. The rush is rather frightening for artists who have spent weeks in their studios getting to grips with meaningful work. Anastasia Chrysanthou‘s exhibition was opened by Andreas Ladommatos at Opus 39 earlier in the week but closes on the 11th of the month. Glafkos Koumides appears to be on his top form at Gallery Argo, continuing until. November 18. Must see. Demetris Michlis exhibits at Gloria’s from today. Hurry. Excellent exhibition of figurative paintings by Savvas Georgiades continues at C.K. Art Gallery. Also with Alexandrakis Alexandraki (1913- 1969) at Gallery k. It is close to Guy Fawkes Day, but Evangelia Koymidou has her Christmas exhibition soon, November 10 –12 at Hilton Park Hotel. More next week.Could this page have more information on the sculpture exhibition at Ayia Varvara please? There are some very good conceptual bits and pieces if you search individual studios. News on this (the pieces belong to each other) later in the month.

19 October 2006

2009-07-30T05:01:00.003-07:00

Full of itSOMETIMES you just can’t see the art for the tease and these weeks have been full of it in the larger shows. Trapped by the glitz and smiles. Kept in the dark. Solo shows are most interesting at the moment. Walking from gallery to gallery, where pavement art is composed of derelict spaces and parked cars, you soon discover that there is no safe way to cross the road (on foot), from the Pharos Centre to Pantheon Gallery for example.
From behindthe barsDAWN Luing has a serious exhibition at Marzano, Diagorou 27, Nicosia.The works would certainly look better with more lighting by the canvases. Impressive tactile surfaces in abstractions. Figurative works contain humour (rare here).Here is a comment by the artist who taught art in High Security Prisons in the south-east of England for almost seven years until she moved to Cyprus. Whilst teaching within the prison system, she and her students participated in the Annual Koestler Awards Scheme for Art and Literature in Prisons and Special Hospitals all over the UK, exhibited in London and won many awards and prizes.Dawn says: "Both Cypriot and Greek poetry and song lyrics currently influence a lot of my work. Poems and songs paint pictures in the mind. I interpret these impressions into paintings. I am also fascinated by the effect of light and shade in all its aspects. Here in Cyprus we are fortunate to have so much light, especially compared to the UK. It is a paradise for artists such as myself."If I have to categorise my work, it would be figurative expressionism. Generally, I paint figures, whether this is in exploring textures and shadows upon the human body or expressing emotions with, long, lean figures living their lives on canvas or wood."Lecture seriescontinuesJULIA Astreou Christoforou will be giving the second and third lectures at 7.30pm, on October 21, at Monoportis House, St Barbara Square, Kaimakli.The subject is Cypriot Traditional Embroidery and Woven Fabrics. She will examine the various groups, the history, the development, interaction with other countries, places of production and technique. Examples from Kaimakli.
Miro Skapoulliat Gallery GloriaUntil 1st November. Very Impressive and dynamic canvases.Titled ‘Kaleidiscope’ the exhibition which opened last night includes a line of computerly work, processed printings portrayed on canvas which are of a limited edition. Continuing creating in the space of art Miro re- exposes her work via the kaleidoscope. Nowadays, the technology has immediately influenced the art and the figurative authors worldwide. Always aspiring to the view that every piece of art should reflect positive energy, once again she experiments with colour.This time the experimentation comes via the computer.The light, the power of colour, the game of opposition of colours, the special function of colours, the movement and the music together with a dreamy, childlike and a very beloved game called kaleidoscope, is the stimulus of these new artistic creations.Miro was born in Nicosia and studied painting at the Moscow Academic Art institution, an institute named after Surikov, in Moscow from 1987-1994.Nikoletta Antonopoulou has an exhibition at Alpha Gallery, corner of Makarios Avenue and 3 Papanikoli Street, Nicosia.It is called Movement–Colour –Light. Nikoletta Antonopoulou was born in Athens in 1955 and studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts under Yiannis Moralis. She then continued her studies in painting and mosaics at the Ecole Superieure des Beaux Arts in Paris. The works presented in this exhibition present action and movement by people, machines and animals. They show the subject’s movement through air, sea and land. The artist’s work is characterised by her interest in capturing movement and an instant moment of action. She wants to show the light, the colour, and position of the subject and its surroundings at that single moment.. Impressionistic, expressionistic and American post-war elements and influences are all present in her art. Her movement is expressed through free, rapid and strong brushstrokes, an intense mix of colours and a rich use of paints.
Tribute to the SeasAT EN-PLO Gallery, Paphos Harbour, James E.Gibbs presents mainly marine paintings, black -tip and scallop, hammerhead sharks, coral reef ecosystems. An important show. Large works too. Later at Bait Muzna Gallery, Oman. Not to be missed, until October 30.
Pharos CentreshowDETANICO & Lain, After Utopia, is on at the Pharos Centre, In Nicosia."Working within the interstices of fine art and graphic design, in addition to possessing a strong collaborative drive. "Detanico & Lain have developed a practice based on the playful displacement of meaning. They do this via the language of the information age, but their wit allows them to avoid the sole reliance on the complexity of technological means. Instead they make use of simple procedures in order to produce powerful visual poetics." Must go again. Try harder.

Mariza Bargilly’s urban landscapes MARIZA Bargilly – having taken into consideration and been influenced by her expertise as a set designer – is presenting her new visual art works at Opus Gallery until October 28.The bad taste that dominates towns and the lack of character and imagination in buildings that come together to create a complete lack of visual stimulation and how all these become one with the environment is what has driven this painter to create her own made-up urban areas. Borrowing elements from architectural forms and the stage, Mariza opens our eyes to a new town landscape. Her works include a series of drawings in black-and-white and a sense of freer form works in oils on canvas.
NicosNicolaides posthumouslyELENI Nikia, Director of Cultural Services, will open the posthumous exhibition of paintings, sketches and drawings by Nicos Nicolaides at 7.30pm, which will continue until Thursday November 9. It is at Steghi Grammaton kai Technon, in Victor Hugo Street, Limassol.
Pizza toppingNINA Sumarac is at Pizza Express until October 25.This is brand new work, by a talented artist, who is branching out into new directions.More info on 99852123 .
Trifling SanctuariesIN A Pantheon show enitled Trifling Sanctuaries, Sophia Hadjipapa explores the role and significance of a viewpoint in painting. The series of paintings being exhibited began a few years ago with a sketches in the bath that made the artist contemplate the small rituals that each one of us invents to ‘lengthen up our lives.’ Quite an unusual look at the usual. Quite a popular opening, too. Clear, pristine paintings with private viewpoints. Highly accomplished technically and bold subjects, too. A very pleasant surprise.
Powerful close-upsSAVVAS Georgiades has an exhibition at C.K. Art Gallery.These are highly-accomplished realistic figurative paintings. Some have exaggerated proportions with a preference for elongation. "Close-ups" can be powerful.
Saucy inviteWORKS by Alexandrakis Alexandraki (1913- 1969) are on show at Gallery k. There is a saucy invitation card with girlie poses. It opens on October 25.
All sorts of thoughtsMONICA Demetriades’s exhibition was opened at Technis Dromena Gallery, Strovolos, by Dr Rita Severis, art historian and author last Sunday and will continue until the 25th of the month. Monica’s themes are abstract but they conjour up all sorts of thoughts and memories. Fields, flowers, suggestions of the core of landscapes, appear in very painterly works.The emotions come deep from within yet spatially the works can contain distances further afield. Often quite ambiguous, rich in personal messages yet understood in feeling and intellect by individual viewers . and memories
Invisible DialoguesLAST day for the excellent exhibition by Demetris Menikou, which is entitled Invisible Dialogues.It was opened last week at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca, by the former Minister of Education Dr Chrisostomos Sofianos, to a packed and responsive gallery.Here is a brilliant debut. Superb paintings, full of vital imagination and superb colour, enough to make most of the rest of the country’s artists look as if they are in mourning. A true discovery. Go. Today.
Great jointSTASS Paraskos and Stelios Votsis still have their joint show at Morphi Gallery, Limassol, until November 6.You see them here. You see them there. Now together everywhere. But why?
Gloria Maratheftiat Kypriaki GoniaGLORIA Marathefti’s exhibition Earth Sky and Sea will be opened by the Mayor of Larnaca, Mr Andreas Moyseos at Kypriaki Gonia in Larnaca on Wednesday, October 25 at 7.30pm and will continue until November 12. It has been written: "Gazing at Gloria’s paintings is like going on a journey of exploration. The deeper we go into her compositions the more images, lost civilizations and forgotten dreams we discover."The often cold colours and rich textures form shapes and movements which take us into the depths of human dreams, memories and expectations."Elements of the Earth, Sky and Sea are all part of fascinating visions, put together by the painter in well structured and sensitively-coloured compositions. Sudden explosions of bright, warmer colours make the whole experience more exciting.The almost abstract paintings depict Gloria’s feeling that things which are not obvious are seen more clearly in the shadow and in the mist. They are more impressive when they are partly hidden and they leave one’s imagination free to wander into her world.Gloria was born in Varosha and now lives and works in Larnaca. She studied Graphic Design and Fine Art at Hornsey College of Art (Middlesex University) in London and is a member of EKATE. Her work can be found in the State Gallery of Contemporary Cypriot Art, in Municipal Galleries and private collections in Cyprus and abroad.

12 October 2006

2009-07-30T05:01:00.001-07:00

Urban Soul Festival 2006This summer group show, with artwork, music and food and drink was held in the moat near Eleftheria Square, Nicosia.The artists taking part were Aspasia Papaderna and Euripides Zantides, Anna Photiadou and Christos Polydorou, Andreas Tombin, Charalambous and Vaso Sergiou, Eliza Pieri, Kika Kazamia, Lia Lapithi and Marianna Kafaridou, Marianna Constanti, Stefanos Karambambas, Vassilis Vasiliades,Vicky Pericleous and Tatiana Ferahian. Charalambous and Vaso Sergiou told the arts page about the effect of their installation on the Saturday crowd"The installation was an experiment towards unprotected artworks in public spaces.The pools were left unprotected for 4 hours in a public park in Nicosia and were observed.. Festival visitors (a more specialised crowd) behaved reasonably towards the works."The pools were most popular with children and … with the inhabitants of the park!"The children between two years and seven years old innocently touched the water and some of them tried to get in rather than being with the artistic arrangements inside the pools. On very few occasions did the accompanying person attempt to explain that these were in fact art works and demanded respect!"A large percentage of children attempted to actually take the coins from the swimming pool that acted like a wishing well rather than throwing a coin in."This perhaps indicates the lack of a central square in Nicosia and the presence of a real wishing well which, of course, should be protected by police but at the same time offer the opportunity of a romantic gesture to anybody who today, more than ever, wants to wish for something."The most striking effects were noticed in the evening, after the party, when the people who normally spend a lot of time in the park, perhaps viewing the installation as hostile, attacked it. The most desperate group of individuals collected the whole lot of coins from the particular pool by the second day."The most destructive group has actually destroyed most of the artistic arrangements inside the pool without actually having an interest."The work demands more investigation."The lack of public sculpture in Cyprus was obvious"The act of placing a group of aesthetically-unfamiliar items in the way of unsuspecting people, with no artistic background caused a physical reaction rather than mental satisfaction".Here is a written handout by Vicky Pericleous, whose verbal comments on her work on the actual evening were less intellectual and more easily understood. Vicky Pericleous created "A route to a Passage", which went from one moat, then under Eleftheria Square to the next moat:"The work presents an empirical mapping of the current ‘landscape’ of Nicosia within the walls. It documents through sound and visuals, an empirical route of the city, thereby revealing and exploring perceptions, relations and other parameters between the personal ‘look’ - that many times appears to be without any camouflage and no sense of guilt, emotional, negligent, banal, unkind, politically not correct, kitsch or notions of collective consciousness, heritage and socio-political context."According, of course, to the ‘eye’ that enters the work, the perspective of perception changes, therefore, creating multiple interpretations of perception, realities, grey zones and notions of the landscape. "The Tunnel works both literally, as a point of reference for recorded route, as well as semiologically, highlighting notions about the idea of ‘rite of passage’ and change of perception.""The installations of all these artists in the moat was of a very high standard indeed. A real breakthrough in Cyprus Art deserving a full-length spread in a top art magazine abroad."

Sculpture on displayDO NOT miss the Philippos Yiapanis sculpture park at Fasoula, Limassol district. Nothing but the very best. Is this self-taught artist the best sculptor in the land?

Great Joints STASS Paraskos and Stelios Votsis have a joint show at Morphi Gallery, Limassol, until November 6.You see them here. You see them there. Now together everywhere. But why? Later, when seen.
Nina Sumarac at Pizza Express until October 25.Brand new work by this talented artist who is branching out in new directions. Tel 99852123 .
Invisible Dialogues
Demetris Menikou’s Invisible Dialogues was opened last week, at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca, by former Minister of Education Dr Chrisostomos Sofianos to a packed and responsive gallery.The exhibition will continue until October 20.This is a brilliant debut - superb paintings full of vital imagination and superb colour, enough to make most of the rest of the country’s artists look as of they are in mourning. A true discovery. Go .
Karpas artistP.M CHRYSTALLA’s exhibition continues until tonight at En-Plo Hall, Kato Paphos Harbour. Chrystalla is a Karpassian woman, who has been engraving since 1998 and is a former pupil of Hambis at his school in Plataniskia.
Sophia Hadjipapa’s Trifling Sanctuaries
SOPHIA Hadjipapa is at the Pantheon Gallery until October 27.Entitled Trifling Sanctuaries Sophia’s works explore the role and significance of a viewpoint in painting. The series of paintings being exhibited began a few years ago with a sketch in the bath that made the artist contemplate on the small rituals that each one of us invents to’ lengthen up our lives". Quite an unusual look at the usual.

In transitionTHE rather confused focus of this exhibition at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol, is ‘displacement’, whether it is caused by political, economic, environmental or social reasons. The exhibition will present the work of 67 artists from 31 countries, including Cyprus, most of which has been created specifically for "In Transition". Through connecting different sites and different people, the exhibition will be searching for a contemporary perception of the realities and dilemmas that confront displaced people. The opening was a bit like ‘ glancing in the dark.’Comment on this mammoth show next week.Comments also on Artos. Waiting for the designer sheets.

Exhibition of Documents at Famagusta Gate
THE Goethe-Zentrum, Nicosia, presents, on the 50th Anniversary of the death of Bertolt Brecht, in cooperation with ETHAL documents from the personal archives of Minas Tinglis, Artistic Director of ETHAL This opened earlier in the week but tonight, at Famagusta Gate, two films will be screened; Man is Man and the Beggar’s Opera 1. Start 8pm.

05 October 2006

2009-07-30T05:00:00.001-07:00

The Memory Box
The Memory Box is a mobile device which works on the comparison between ‘History’ understood as the official and political version and ‘Stories’, meaning the tales told by those who actually lived through the making of that ‘History’.
It is thus a collector and a container of people’s tales, a free space where each of us can recount episodes of our own lives, of our own passions, of our own dreams and frustrations. It is a means of ‘democratic activation’. A portable voting booth where our own preferences (our tales) express a past and present far richer and more complex, yet less functional and abstract.
The Memory Box is an interactive project for all the people of both parts of the island (students, women, older, immigrants, etc…).
The project for Nicosia.
Given the peculiar aspects of the recent history of the island, the strong interests of the dominant nations which continue to influence its development, and the recent changes brought about by the island’s entrance to the European Union, the most urgent issue to investigate through the Memory Box, what repercussions these overwhelming external pressures have of the lives of the inhabitants.
In Nicosia, people will be asked to contribute with their stories on the big issues concerning the recent history of the island, and their concept of "Home", through simple questions, in both languages.
The aims of the project lie in the reactivation of a common feeling of belonging, and in the transmission of thoughts, opinions, memories, dreams and desires of the peoples of the two parts of the city, independently by the official channels of political communication and mass media.
Through the means of direct, interpersonal dialogue, linked to their feelings and the stories they have to tell, the goal is to divert the "Cyprus problem" from the channels of geopolitical debate and interests, giving back the word and the chance to influence their own destiny to their rightful owners: the Cypriots.
Under the campaign ‘Lemonade for tales", the "Memory Box" device, a kiosk for lemon juice, sound installatons, perfomances, video projections, etc will function as a common platform for the opening evenings of central squares of Nicosia.
Saray Square, 2-7 October Friday 10.00- 17.00 opening + party Saturday 7th Oct from 6 pm.
The Memory Box is a concept by Gianmaria Conti.
Designed in collaboration with Bauhaus University, Weimar (Germany)
A project by a MAZElab, Milano presented by the ARTOS foundation.
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Don’t miss the new shows
- Philippos Yiapanis
Do not miss the Philippos Yiapanis sculpture park exhibition until 11th of October at Fasoula, Limassol district.
- Johanna and Brigida Almeida
This joint exhibition of Johanna Almeida and her daughter Brigida was opened last Friday, 7 pm at Kyklos Gallery, Paphos by the artist Costas Economou. It will continue until 14th October. The theme for the show is "Trees", using oils, acrylics, conte and aquarel.
Costas Economou reports:
"Johanna, who lives permanently in Cyprus and her daughter Brigida who lives in Holland , are daughter and granddaughter of the Dutch painter Herman Aarsten.
Their joint exhibition at Kyklos Gallery on the theme of trees will open until the 14th October. Johanna and Brigida love trees and they look at them as a source of aesthetical experience and artistic creation.
Their pictures with trees of different colours are full of life and movement.
Johanna and Brigida have mastered their means and they treat colour, shape, line and form with wisdom, skill and sensitivity
So they succeed in creating works with formal compositions and expression of feeling. Their trees take an almost anthropomorphic form. Familiar scenes aquire through poetic approach an idyllic atmosphere. The branches and the twisted trunks remind of dancers in all flowing expressive movement."
Costas reminded me that in Paphos they are cutting down many trees.
- Pipitsa Filippidi
This excellent exhibition continues at Alpha Gallery (Makarios Avenue & 3 Papanikoli Str, Hilton Area 22751325) until the 7th of the month.
Pipitsa Filippidi was born in Athens. She studied piano and voice at the Athen Odeon. She passed a career in music and decided on a career as a painter. She studied drawing and painting at the atelier of Dimitris Giannoukakis for six years and also spent some time at the studios of Alekos Kontopoulos and Vrasides Vlahopoulos.
Her work is characterised by the rich use of oils and acrylics and has been influenced by expressionism, cubism and contructivist movements within which she places many symbols. Filippidi has had exhibitions throughout Europe and has participated in the Venice and Alexandria biennales. She was a member of the Hellenic Fine Arts Society, federation international; Culturelle Fermimce, the French Federation of Women Artists, The Internatonal arts Guribl and many other Greek and European Art Societies.
Her works are at the National Gallery in Athens and Thessalokiki, the Athens Municipal Gallery, the Thessaloniki Governor’s Building, the Greek Ministry of Education and Ministry of Culture, in many municipal galleries and collections, as well as the Vorres Museum and Pierides Museum
This is a very fine exhibition indeed. Prices reasonable. A collector’s dream.
- Nina Sumarac
Nina shows at Pizza Express until 25th of October
Brand new work by this talented artist who is branching out into new directions.
Tel: 99852123 www.ninasumarac.com
- Andros Efstathiou
Strong Nicosia debut at Apocalypse of a well-known Limssolian painter. Deliberately crowded canvases – chock full of intriguing "things’. Mostly people. There are also some wonderfully sparing works – are they the latest? Especially Nos 9 and 10. They suggest portrait paintings in which the sitter has a mind of ITS own. This is surely what a good none-screaming Francis Bacon is like. Congratulations. Advanced work indeed. Fine to see figurative (anthropomorphic) paintings in the capital.
- Demetris Menikou
Demetris Menikou’s Invisible Dialogues at Kypriaki Gonia will be opened tonight by ex-Minister of Education Dr Chrysostomos Sofianos. The exhibition will continue until 20th October
It has been written:
"His blend of movement rhythm, relevance and colour, entices the beholder into a sensation of continuous, infinite inner searching. The artist silently raises timeless questions of the human race, such as ‘Where are the boundaries of human perception ?’ ‘When and how does creation begin?’ ‘Can it be explained by science alone?’ ‘Can perfection be depicted?’
- P.M Chrystalla
At En-Plo Hall, Kato Paphos harbour.
This exhibition continues until Friday, October 13th. Chrystalla is a Karpassian woman, who has been engraving since 1998 and is a former pupil of Hambis at his school in Plataniskia.
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Biennale art
The following artists who participated at the Beijing International Art Biennale will be showing their work at Rouan Gallery, Limassol.
From Wednesday 11 October at 8 pm: Marianna Constanti, Tatiana Ferahian, Savella Michael, Popi Nicolaou, Nicholas Panayi, Christnia Papayriakou, Rinos Stefani, Ramon Trias Torres.
Until 27th October.
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Stella’s photographs
Keep hold of your last week’s Cyprus Weekly where there is a brilliant full spread of Stella’s photographs.
Here is mine, a mere painter’s opinion, of her exhibition. Stella, as you know is one of our best painters. Her works always relates. Her themes and application connect. That is rare here. Her photographs are in colour and you observe that they are completely in colour. Not depending on black shadows. Yet form is always there too.
Her exhibition is at Xanthis Xenierouin Old Nicosia and the building is much further down the road where the old House of Arts and Letters used to be.
These Mexican portraits are on sale for 70 CP each and part of the profits will go to the Institute Casa Xochiquetzal.
Casa Xochiquetzal is a charitable institution that serves as a refuge for homeless women in Mexico City and has been operating for a year now. Its purpose is to offer services to elderly women such as medical assistance, programmes of reading and writing, psychology and arts and crafts.
The purpose of the organisers is to sustain the existing programmes and, if possible, augment the number of women that stay permanently in the house. The continuation of its programmes depends on the financial support of individuals
Contact 99542373 or the e-mail address stellaangelidou@yahoo.com
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Babel chat
Babylon Shade at Artos foundation and Museum Arterra
A tumble of books, heads like your favourite deer on the wall, notes, notes and more notes, a conceptual batiked/ dressing gown in two or three greys.
Whole list of names: Marina Vassileva, Nadia Zhubareva, Maria Anwander, Roza El-Hassan, Una Szeemann, Mimmo Roselli, Alicia Marin, Urs Jaeggi, Karl Weibl, Tone Fink. I promise to go again – it must be better than this. Full blurb next week.
Until 25th October.
In Transition
At Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol.
The focus of this exhibition is ‘displacement’, whether it is caused by political, economic, environmental or social reasons. The exhibition will present the work of 67 artists from 31 countries including Cyprus, most of which has been created specifically for In Transition.
Through connecting different sites and different people, the exhibition will be searching for a contemporary perception of the realities and dilemmas which confront displaced people.
"In Transition" will be accompanied by three talks scheduled for 4th October 7 -8.30 pm, by US artist and international editor of Leonardo magazine Sheila Pinkel, motion designer from UK. Rob Chiu and video artist from Lebanon Nestrrine Khodr.
NeMe is a Limassol based interdisciplinary collective (www.neme.org)
The Evagoras Lanitis Centre is open daily (except Mondays), between 16:00-20:00.
(More next week when I would have seen the exhibition).
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28 September 2006

2009-07-30T04:59:00.000-07:00

Kyklos Two
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This joint exhibition of Johanna Almeida and her daughter Brigida will be opened tonight, Friday, 7 pm at Kyklos Gallery, Paphos by the artist Costas Economou. It will continue until 14th October. The theme for the show is "Trees", using oils, acrylics, conte and aquarel.
You will be familiar with Johanna’s lovely work . Brigida is a professional illustrator, having graduated from the University of Art in Hertenbosch, Holland. She has illustrated several children’s books and her Kaas & Koos characters are well known, having been shown on the Dutch Television series of Sesame Street for over a decade. Most recently, her stories of The Beach-Comber have been added to this programme.

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Urban soul
I think it was Andy W who photographed something for 12 hours. Or was it 24? Anyway Pantheon director Petros Lapithi has organized "Urban Sprawl" and from 12 noon tomorrow (Saturday) until midnight our top drawer contemporary artists will create and create in the moat next to Eleftheria Square, Nicosia.
A Happening? An Architectural Moment? A Twilight Transition?
Whatever! It should be the liveliest art event since Vicky Pericleous invaded a shoe shop on the Green Line earlier in the summer. Vicky will be there too plus nothing but the best of our contemporaries.
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Cyprus represented in Art Symposium in Latvia
Fine artist and teacher Nicholas Panayi was invited to participate in the annual international "Valmiera Art Symposium 2006" that took place this summer in the Latvian city of culture, Valmiera.
Some of the objectives of this symposium were to encourage the interaction of different art forms and of different artists with their varied backgrounds and experiences so as to create a multicultural language that in turn would be understood not only by the artists themselves but also by the public.
In order to achieve that, the city counsel offered venues for the different events where people would come in contact with the artists and their art. These would include an old people’s home, a conference hall, and presentation of works in public squares, projections on walls easily seen by passers by and the ancient city wall ruins that are frequently visited by locals and tourists alike.
Art forms would include performances, photography, painting, installations, theatre, dance and film.
Adding to the social character of the symposium, Nicholas Panayi was asked to offer other than his drawings and paintings, his teaching skills to a group of talented youngsters.
A figure life class was arranged at the local public school of art with the objective of helping the students express not only what they saw but their inner emotional world. Nicholas arranged a series of workshops that gave the opportunity to the participants to experiment in different mediums and techniques. Teacher and students had the privilege of having their works exhibited first at the historical city walls and then in a private gallery and will remain there until October.

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In transition
The focus of this exhibition at the Evagoras Lanitis Centre, Limassol, is ‘displacement’, whether it is caused by political, economic, environmental or social reasons. The exhibition will present the work of 67 artists from 31 countries including Cyprus, most of which has been created specifically for "In Transition".
Through connecting different sites and different people, the exhibition will be searching for a contemporary perception of the realities and dilemmas which confront displaced people.
"In Transition" will be accompanied by three talks scheduled for 4th October 7 -8.30 pm, by US artist and international editor of Leonardo magazine Sheila Pinkel, motion designer from UK. Rob Chiu and video artist from Lebanon Nestrrine Khodr
NeMe is a Limassol based interdisciplinary collective (www.neme.org)
The Evagoras Lanitis Centre is open daily (except Mondays), between 16:00-20:00

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Invisible Dialogues

From October 6-20 an exhibition by Demetris Menikou titled "Invisible Dialogues" will take place at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca.
The artist quotes Freidrich Neitzsche:
"The body is a big sagacity,
A plurality with one sense
A war and a peace, a flock and a shepherd"
"Menikou portrays the interior world of the human body, beauty and complexity.
The blend of movement, rhythm relevance and colour, entices the beholder into a sensation of continuous, infinite inner searching. The artist silently raises timeless questions of the human race, such as ‘Where are the boundaries of human perception? ‘When and how does creation begin? ‘Can it be explained by science alone?
Can perfection be depicted?
Demetris Menikou was born in Larnaca in 1979. His interest in art arose at an early age. He holds a Higher Diploma in Graphic & Advertising Design, and a BA Degree in Art&Design. He has participated in several group exhibitions in Cyprus.
Today, Demetris has set up his own workshop in Nicosia, devoted himself to painting, and is constantly on the quest for new creative paths.

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Nature enthusiasts
Animal lovers, bird watchers and nature enthusiasts will enjoy an exhibition at the Academic and General Booksop in Larnaca from the 7th October by Irene Ioannou the Australian artist which will be opened Achilleas Achilleaou, President of the Larnaca-Famagusta Association for the Protection of Animals and Birds at 10 a.m.
Irene is a self-taught artist and works mainly in pastels as she feels that nature is served better with the use of this medium.
Growing up on a pineapple farm in Queensland and later living in the beautiful Blue Mountains of New South Wales, Australia has undoubtedly played a role in the development of Irene’s intense love and respect for nature. Fifteen years ago, with her Cypriot husband Savvas, she moved to Cyprus, where they now live in an old village house, filled with animals in the shadow of the Oroklini Hills. From her surroundings she has drawn inspiration for paintings with Australian and Cypriot theme which will be exhibited along with those of animals and birds. A percentage of the sale of Irene’s art will go to the Larnaca – Famagusta Association for the protection of animals and birds.
The Academica and General bookshop is at 41 Hermes St, Larnaca – tel 24 628401 with the exhibition continuing from 7th October until Saturday 21st October. During normal shop hours.
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Maria Kassianidou at Gloria’s
This beautiful exhibition has opened and will continue through today.The show is really excellent. Buoyant, textural and with brilliant surfaces behind which her art rests secure. Marina’s exhibition is a superb debut. The lightness is its strength. The rooms float with energy
New show at Glorias is by Melina Shukuroglou. From Tuesday October 3 - 17. The title is "The Long View".
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Have seen …

Lazaros Kaloyirou at Gallery k
Beautifully painted abstracts using many colours which magically harmonise. Continuing until October 20
Kollakou Ekaterini at Opus 39
The smaller works in this fully figurative exhibition are quite charming. The several larger fully textured figures are excellent, as if Dubuffet had passed this way..
Until 30th September
" Das… PARTY" at Argo
New work by couple Two/ Four/Two. Bold attempt to allign total non-figuration with the occasional figurative gesture. This works best in "Maybe", "Not Quite" and "OOPS Turn Around". The large "das….Party" has sound as well. Bold, adventurous. And exceptionally well turned out.
Until 7 October.

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Open College of the Arts
Britain’s Open College of the Arts is launching a new photography course for beginners in Paphos. The course is taught in English and is aimed at adults who want to learn how to take better photographs without overdosing on a lot of technical jargon
Photography for beginners has been running successfully in Britain for over twenty years, but this is the first time the OCA has offered it in Cyprus. According to George Apostoli, the Development Manager of the OCA, ‘you don’t need a fancy camera, you don’t need a dark room and you don’t need to be a genius. All you need is a bit of enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new’.
Most people taking the course do so for the fun and to meet new people, but it also carries credit points that can be used to help get a degree from the Open University or any British university.
For more information telephone Mary-Lynne Stadler on 26642690
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Other shows
Stella Angelidou is exhibiting at House of Arts and Letters. This time they are photographs which Georges der Partogh will cover this week.
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Lines is an avante-garde jewellery exhibition by
Monica Demetriou Gabriel at Opus 39. This exhibition will on October 2 -14.

21 September 2006

2009-07-30T04:58:00.000-07:00

V.P. Vasuhan’s Third Exhibition in Paris
I GOT on the plane at Larnaca which was full of tanned holidaymakers returning to Heathrow.
I got out – with 19 others all carrying their own bags _ at Brussels, Belgium.
Took a bus – no toilet – no water across that country.
Through Picardy and thought of the First World War. Flat landscapes, the sort Mondrian could have been inspired by, but the feeling was more of Magritte. Flanders came to mind, too.
A Turkish Cypriot lady gave us homemade grape/nut chewies. The bus went on. Mobile phones were on the go. Crossed a border. We are on the way, hope to make dinner tonight. A taxi picked some of us up at Charles de Gaulle airport after 9 hours from home.
Later, I looked out of my hotel window (it appeared I had stayed their when in the RAF in 1949) on Rue de Dunkerque and saw the Gare du Nord, where the trains now go to Ashford and Waterloo.
Paris is a lovely city. So far away – this time.
I had come to open V.P. Vasuhan’s exhibition at Bayadere, 23 Rue Louis Blanc, whose director is Anic Garin.
Vas used to paint in my studio in Nicosia, but is now in Paris and this was his third exhibition there.
With the deputy Mayor of Mairie de Saint Ouen, Valerie, and Aravinde Appathurai, a poet from Madras, I was to open the exhibition.
Valerie and myself found a new urgency in Vas work, which appeared to relate to world stress. Aravinde observed how the artist had developed and found his way in Paris. Amongst the guests were a film director, Raj, who had directed "Beyond the Mirror", a chap from the Herald Tribune, a lady who sounded like Audrey Hepburn whose father had a Welsh landscape by Cyffyn Williams, whom I had met in London more than half a century ago, TV producers and an Irish woman called Patricia who still has a lovely lilt to her French; plus lots of Sri Lankan friends of Vas’s, including Yapa Senarath who was here in Cyprus.
Vas’s father, Vellupillai Poobalasingham, had managed to make the exhibition, too.
He had turned up from Canada, where his daughter was married and was now on his way home to Sri Lanka
The new urgency in Vasu’s paintings.
The title Kamathenu-Ox, a mythical/bullish animal with the top part of the body female more than hinted at our current complexities.
A major work,’Diary’ (10), for example, had the strength of an Easter Island head but was far from resting.
In fact it had a considerable growl, a compulsive bite.
Even ‘Kamathenu’(13), with its feminine silk adornments had fierce horns. ‘Live Wire’(6) had considerable spring to its sharp barbed bite. ‘Papillon’ (7) was erotically charged, while ’Petale’ (8), was as ambiguous as can be, and ‘Mischief’ (15) quite delightfully obvious.
‘Une Langue’ (20) a reminder of our Babel of confusions spelt clear. ‘Dances with Rat’(19), twists and turns with speed.
The artist’s love of nature was predominant in ‘Lavende de Giorde’ (32), ‘Van Gogh’ (33), a memory of a garden in Kaimakli, ‘Tulip de Mon Jardin" (34 ) and ‘Hibiscus, from Jafna’(35). Memories not at rest. A deep and moving exhibition .

Spirit of Place
JENNIFER Harding and Geoffrey Rigden are having an exhibition at Kypriaki Gonia Gallery,45 Stadium Street, Larnaca until the 30th of the month. The exhibition was opened by the Minister of Education and Culture Pefkios Georgiades.
Jennifer Harding was born in 1956 in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
She studied at Salisbury College of Art then at Canterbury College of Art, where Stass Parakos was Head of the Painting Department.
She completed the Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Paphos in 1979 and was at the John Moores 22, in Liverpool.
Jennifer is currently engaged in writing a study of the work of Costas Economou
Geoff Rigden was born in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, in 1943 and studied at Somerset College of Art and the Royal College of Art, London 1963-66.
He has taken part in innumerable group exhibitions such as the 1965 John Moores Liverpool, where he was a prizewinner
Both artists have kept their connection with Paphos and have been a considerable influence on keeping up international standards here.
These are very serious paintings indeed.
Later at this gallery, from October 6 until the 20th, an exhibition by Demetres Menikou titled Invisible Dialogues will take place
The artist quotes Freidrich Neitzsche: "The body is a big sagacity, a plurality with one sense, awar and a peace, a flock and a shepherd."

Kyklos Two
JOHANNA Almeida and her daughter Brigida will be exhibiting at Kyklos Gallery, Paphos, from next Friday, September 29, continuing until October 14. More next week

MARINA Kassianidou is at Gloria Gallery.
This beautiful exhibition was opened by Dr Stavros Zenios, Professor at the University of Cyprus and will continue until the 29th of the month.
The show is really excellent.
Buoyant, textural and with brilliant surfaces behind which her art rests secure.
Marina’s exhibition is a superb debut .
The lightness is its strength. The rooms float with energy

Orpheus Gallery’s Summer Exhibition
Orpheus Gallery’s summer exhibition includes works by Colombian artist Luis Guzman and emerging Cypriot artist Alexis Vayianos.
Both artists are taking part in the Orpheus Summer exhibition until September 30 and alongside are well-known Cypriot artists George Erotokritou, George Gerondides, Panikos Tsangara and international artists Jeron Geronomides (Brazil), Miriam McConnon (Ireland) and many more.
The exhibition includes original paintings, original and limited edition sculpture and glass
Monday-Wednesday and Saturday, 10am-1.30pm.
Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-1pm& 5pm– 7pm.
Last days for Paphos Open studios
MORE than forty artists from the Paphos region have agreed to open their studios and workplaces to the public during the first four weekends of September.
Not every artist in the eastern end of the island is participating but there are talents galore with the excellent illustrated guide of artists and locations saying that many of them enjoy an international reputation.
They also come from many ‘different backgrounds and cultures to make the event truly cosmopolitan’.
Artists from across the Paphos region are opening their studios to the public from 10am until 6pm. Last days September 23-24.
Web-site: www.openstudioscy.com
There is an excellent guide
Try the organisers
Nic Costa 26933356, Sue Harding 26221301, David Lester 26621130, Mary Beth Trotter 99752687, Marina Zach 99699380.
Pambos Michlis at Diachroniki
PAMBOS’S exhibition continues until September 28.
The gallery is now at 84 Arsinoes Street, Old Nicosia, which is very close to Debenhams.
Michlis was born in Achna, in the district of Famagusta in 1947. At the age of 20 he moved to Famagusta, where he set up his first studio and started to exhibit.
Since 1974, he has lived and worked in Limassol, starting the Art Workhop in 1980, along with Xenia Panteli and other artists, followed by his own workshop in 1985.
This marked the start of the artist’s involvement with material and sculpture.
Michlis has taken part in more than 30 exhibitions on Cyprus, and in 1987 he exhibited in London along with Toulla Mala and Demetris Michlis.
His most recent wok took him back to his home village to erect his ‘Monument to the Refugees’, a commission from Paralimni Municipality to remember 1974 and to celebrate the talent born there.
An exciting exhibition, with lively sculptures and sensitive paintings.
Das Party at Argo
THIS mysterious event was last night at Argo and will be written about next week
Open College of the Arts
BRITAIN’S Open College of the Arts is launching a new photography course for beginners in Paphos this month.
The course is taught in English and is aimed at adults who want to learn how to take better photographs without overdosing on a lot of technical jargon
Photography for beginners has been running successfully in Britain for over 20 years, but this is the first time the OCA has offered it in Cyprus. According to George Apostoli, the Development Manager of the OCA, ‘you don’t need a fancy camera, you don’t need a dark room and you don’t need to be a genius. All you need is a bit of enthusiasm and a willingness to try something new’.
Most people taking the course do so for the fun and to meet new people, but it also carries credit points that can be used to help get a degree from the Open University or any British university.
For more information, telephone Mary-Lynne Stadler on 26642690
Workshops for Young People at Theatre Antidote
AS WELL as providing the main platform of professional theatre performances for young people, Antidote Theatre offers children and teenagers the chance to play, improvise and create, devising their own theatre together and making performances for parents and friends.
Over the year, from September through to June, Antidote theatre provides a comprehensive programme of theatre games, voice, rhythm and movement exercises, mime, stage combat, improvisation, basic set and costume design, rehearsal, contemporary dance, all of which culminate in a theatre performance in late Spring.
Workshops take place throughout the week but each age-group gets a two-hour session once a week.
Anyone is welcome between the ages of 5-18 years, no previous experience necessary. The classes are divided into three different age groups: 5- 7 years, 8-11 years,11+.
Also available to the Youth Theatre 11+, is the chance to enroll on the Guildhall school of Music & Drama examinations course, grades 4-8 which are taken at the beginning of June and are recognised by British Universities as equivalent to O-level and AS levels.
Workshops went back into operation on Monday September 4, but don’t worry, it’s never too late to join!
If you would like to find out more information about the workshops, and registration please call Antidote on 24 822677 or 99446067.
If you would like to try it out just turn up at:
Antidote Young People’s Arts Centre, 7 – 11 Ayias Elenis Street 6021 Larnaca.

07 September 2006

2009-07-30T04:57:00.002-07:00

Jennifer Harding and Geoff Rigden at Kypriaki Gonia
After the perceptive comments by Dr Michael Paraskos, Henry Moore Fellow at the University of Leeds, last week the Arts Page is now pleased to give more information on Jennifer Harding and Geoffrey Rigden, who will be having an exhibition at Kypriaki Gonia Gallery,45 Stadium Street, Larnaca from September 14-30.
The exhibition will be opened by the Minister of Education and Culture Pefkios Georgiades on Thursday, August 14, at 8pm.
Jennifer Harding was born in 1956 in Fordingbridge, Hampshire.
She studied at Salisbury College of Art, then at Canterbury College of Art, where Stass Paraskos was Head of the Painting Department.
She completed the Post-Graduate Diploma Course in Paphos in 1979.
In 1983, she was awarded a scholarship by the Greek Ministry of Education and spent a year working independently in the studios at the School of Fine Art in Athens.
She has worked part-time at the National Theatre, London, at the Museum of London, and, at the British Institute of Archaeology, Ankara, Turkey. More recently she has held part-time posts in academic libraries including the London School of Economics and the Royal College of Art.
Jennifer has participated in many studio exhibitions in London and in group exhibitions.
Solo exhibitions include 1984 the British Council, Athens (supported by the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sciences) and, in 2000, the Hellenic Centre, London, showing Landscapes of Paphos, and accompanying "Cyprus the Holy Island" exhibitions of icons.
Jennifer is currently engaged in writing a study of the work of Costas Economou
Geoff Rigden was born in Cheltenham, Gloucester, in 1943 and studied at Somerset College of Art and the Royal College of Art, London 1963-66.
For many years he was a Visiting Lecturer at universities and colleges throughout the UK, including Reading University, Winchester School of Art, St Martins School of Art and Chelsea School of Art, London.
He has taken part in innumerable group exhibitions such as the 1965 John Moores Liverpool (prizewinner), 1977 Tolly Cobold (prizewinner), 1979 Summer Show 2, at the Serpentine Gallery, London and the "Paintings from the Collection of Sir Anthony Caro", in Oxford in 1996.
In 1979 and 1982 Geoff was awarded a grant from Greater London Arts, in 1983 from the Elephant Trust, London and in 1986 from the Pollock Krasner Foundation, New York.

Tracy Emin
THERE was an error on this page last week. Kakia Catselli Trachoniti is exhibiting at this very moment in Open 2006, with her "Foam Birth" which is at the Venice Lido, not the Biennale.
The 52nd Venice Biennale (June, 2007) is, of course, this coming summer.
There is still a Cypriot connection, however.
Tracy Emin has been chosen to represent Britain and her Dad lives up north – in Cyprus.
Tracy will produce new work for the British Pavilion. She will be only the second woman to make a solo show for the Venice Biennale’s British pavilion since it began in 1937.
Rachel Whiteread was the first, in 1997.’
You will all of heard of Tracy with her "My Bed" which was Turner Prize nominated. Earlier, Tracy, had a Tent in an exhibition on which was embroidered the names of "Everyone I have ever Slept With".
At her exhibition in Oxford, she exhibited some paintings which you or I would have completed. There was also a handwritten letter about her dad. Also a huge PIER which filled a whole gallery space and had a room on it which could have been her own. I think she lived in Margate.
In a remarkable coincidence, there was a PIER on display in a gallery in Nicosia. It was not by Tracy and may have been a clone but looked all neat and shaved.
Tracy’s PIER was REAL.
First International Women Artists Annual
THOUGHTS and Art Works are on show in Amman, capital of Jordan for the month of September.
Rhea Bailey is representing Cyprus,and is showing two oil pastels.
Information has been sent by Dr.Arafat al-Naim.
He says: "The first international Woman artists Annual – Thoughts & Art Works is made up of more than 50 works on paper, paintings and pastels by 22 women artists from 16 countries, among which are Cyprus, Italy, Greece, South Korea, Salvador, Iran, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Armenia, Pakistan and Jordan
"The exhibition is a close cooperation between Dr. Arafat Al-Naim, Artist Educator, Initiator and Curator of International Art Projects from one side and Bandak Art Gallery, Amman Director and Manager MrIhsan Bandak from the other side.
"The project has been established to encourage and support women artists to increase their artistic activities and have a more active and constructive role among the art movement. As well as to develop public awareness and recognition of women’s art and culture, and to document women’s contribution to visual arts.
"The exhibited art depicts a range of ideas that have defined the state of women in art today, and express the participants relationships to global issues, understandings of the world and responsibilities for maintaining and reproducing their culture."
Dr Arafat includes information by Professor Saleh Abu-Osba
"This women’s group show is an embodiment of a superior human vision, comprising the work of 22 Arab and foreign artists representing 16 countries. Their work is an Aesthetic Assortment that very genuinely represents the intercultural interaction – the artists come from diverse age groups and approaches but at the same time there is one message that is expressed in their works; Art broadens human insight through leaving deep marks on the spirit and the universe.
"The works displayed in the show are characterised by their ability to reflect human feeling and to embody the human dream in diverse styles,lines, colours and approaches.
"This show is not merely feminine due to its nature, but also due to the high level of intimacy of expressing the personal, national and human issues; at the same time it puts forth some aesthetic visions in which the colours play a major role in capturing the visitor’s attention. It covers some distinctive perspectives on the world, reflected in colours that express life’s joy and agony, a whole spectrum of talents at their highest point of achievement and accomplishment."

Another Open Studio
THE Geoff May studio has opened in Limassol. Geoff has been painting in Cyprus since early 2004 and has exhibited his work in galleries and exhibitions in Limassol and Nicosia, but now he is able to display his work in his own gallery in the old town of Limassol.
After studying art and design in London, Geoff embarked on a career with international charities working in international development, which spanned some 35 years and took him to over 50 countries around the world.
"I have been fortunate to have travelled and worked in some amazing countries in Africa, Asia, The Americas as well as Europe. I have seen, smelt and touched these places and met some wonderful people in my life".
The impressions he gained during this time had an enormous influence on his style and appreciation of the diversity of humanity. He interprets these through the medium of acrylic, creating images of life in texture, colours and light. His work has a sculptural quality, making his nudes and portraits appear to be carved from stone.
The figures appear almost surrealistic, forming sensuous shapes and movement. His work is a reflection of the images of humanity that had such a deep impression on his life.
His work exemplifies the meeting of nature and the human form. Images of humanity transposed on to canvas through his imagination, emotions and technique. His unique style is also reflected in his landscapes and nature studies.
The Geof May Studio is open Monday to Saturday or by appointment and can be found at 9b Enoseos Street, Limassol. Tel.no 25342563, mobile: 99006578
Marina Kassianidou Gloria Gallery
This beautiful exhibition by Marina Kassianidou, at Gloria Gallery will be opened by Dr Stavros Zenios, Professor at the University of Cyprus on Wednesday, September 13 and will continue until the 29th of the month.
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Alexandros Tassou
ALEXANDROS Tassou presents his first personal exhibition of paintings, sculptures and artwork until 11th September at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca.
The exhibition is titled The Spirit of Apollon.
Orpheus Gallery’s Summer Exhibition
Orpheus Gallery" summer exhibition, until September 30, includes works by Colombian artist Luis Guzman and emerging Cypriot artist Alexis Vayianos.
Both artist are taking part in the Orpheus Summer exhibition until September 30th September and along side are well known Cypriot artists George Erotokritou, George Gerondides, Panikos Tsangara and international artists Jeron Geronomides (Brazil), Miriam McConnon (Ireland) and many more.
The exhibition includes works of original paintings, original and limited edition sculpture and glass
Mon/Wed & Sat 10am -1.30pm
Tues/ Thu & Fri 10am-1pm& 5pm– 7pm.
Open Studios
MORE than forty artists from the Paphos region have agreed to open their studios and workplaces to the public during the first four weekends of September.
Not every artist in the eastern end of the island is participating but there are talents galore with the excellent illustrated guide of artists and locations saying that many of them enjoy an international reputation.
They also come from many ‘different backgrounds and cultures to make the event truly cosmopolitan’.
Artists from across the Paphos region are opening their studios to the public from 10am until 6 pm. on September 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24.
As most artists are only opening their studios on certain weekends – allowing them for time to visit each other (some are opening every weekend) please check to see that each studio is open when you want to visit..
Web-site: www.openstudioscy.com
There is an excellent guide
Try the organisers:
Nic Costa 26933356, Sue Harding 26221301, David Lester 26621130, Mary Beth Trotter 99752687, Marina Zach 99699380.

31 August 2006

2009-07-30T04:57:00.001-07:00

This is an island - two art specialists comment
Dr Michael Paraskos on Jennifer Harding and Geoff Rigden
IT was Dr Michael Paraskos (son of Stass) who set the bunches of easels/brushes/ and artworks flying (bundled up with concepts –you know how it is) in our lively art scene during the fuss over Manifesto.
I thought he protested too much but he is still keeping in touch, and has sent in a most praiseworthy account of the art of Jennifer Harding and Geoff Rigden.
He is right
Titled "The Dialectics of Place" the notes just happened to pop up a few days before OPEN STUDIOS (read this page last week) hits the road, villages and other studios (and galleries) in the Paphos district.
Dr Michael Paraskos is a Henry Moore Fellow at the University of Leeds and rightly placed to be our cultural watchdog.
He writes:
A few months ago, I met the British artist Terry Atkinson, who had just returned from the Basle Art Fair in Switzerland. Atkinson visits a lot of the international art fairs – the Cologne, Berlin, Miami and elsewhere – and so I asked him if he thought there was any difference between art in different countries. ‘Not really’, he said. ‘Contemporary art has an international style’.
I am not sure whether Jennifer Harding and Geoff Rigden would appreciate me beginning this introduction to their work with a recollection of Terry Atkinson. They are, I think very different artists, and nowhere more so than in their attitude to place. Over the last two decades the art world has split into two irreconcilable, and often-hostile camps.
"One of these attends all the art fairs and Manifesta-like junkets, and fills the mainstream galleries and glossy art magazines with a bland international style of faux neo-Dada. The other has to fight to be seen, is far more diverse in its use of materials, and most importantly of all, is founded on intimate relationships to specific locations.
"To put it briefly, one camp is rootless and dead, the other in a living communion with a spirit of place. It is in this latter camp, I would locate Harding and Rigden.
"At first sight this might appear a strange statement. Looking at the works of Harding and Rigden it is easy to see the influence of international modernism.
"Both artists clearly enjoy abstraction, and see, willing to draw on various modernist traditions when forming their paintings. Yet I would suggest they also root themselves in a specifically English cultural environment that result in a series of dialectical tensions.
Harding and Rigdon make work in a specific place – a ‘here and now ‘ but they also pull against a knowledge of art made elsewhere and at other times – a ‘there and then’. This is a dialectics of place or location, and can be seen in Harding’s 2000 painting ‘Ibelin’ and Rigden’s 2000 work ‘Nude Going Down Stairs’.
In ‘Ibelin,’ the flat red and black abstract shapes have an echo of New York modernism, but this has been filtered through the sensibility of an English mind.
Similarly, in ‘Nude Going Down Stairs’ there is what appears to be a conscious reference to Duchamp’s quasi-cubist painting ‘Nude Descending a Staircase’, painted in 1912. Yet it too has passed through the alembic of an English mind, so that any conscious reference to Duchamp is counterbalanced by colours and forms that are decidedly English, what we might call the English tradition. One has to transcend tradition.
That this happens in the works of Harding and Rigden is perfectly clear in their Cyprus paintings. Look at Harding’s ‘Black Ships at Limassol’, of 2003, and you will see a dominant colour from Cyprus – the flat cerulean blue of our sky. Perhaps too there is an echo of Cyprus in Harding’s artistic references, so that the work might vaguely remind us of the paintings of Stelios Votsis or Andreas Ladommatos. Yet there is something more painterly and rougher in the treatment of the trees and boat, something that seems to come out of an English romantic tradition.
Harding has a deep and long-standing knowledge of Cyprus that allows her to fuse Cypriotness and Englishness so successfully, holding the two together, but in tension
In Rigdon’s ‘Sundowner’, of 2005 we seem to see the sun setting off the coast of Lemba, where Rigdon spends much of his time when in Cyprus at the College of Art.
A more oblique reference to the island is the painting ‘Blue, black, Cross-fire, of 2005, which brings to mind the sometimes ornate metalwork on Cypriot windows not only in the crossbar shapes, but in the colours used.
Yet an English sensibility pervades these works, too, with a construction of space and handling of paint that it would be hard to find paralleled in Cypriot art. In fact the nearest equivalent might be an artist such as Terry Frost, who also came to Cyprus with a strong English tradition behind him, but vitalized that tradition by hybridising it with the Cypriot environment.
Terry Atkinson was wrong. Contemporary art does not have as an international style and if it ever looks like it does then it means an artist has failed toengage with the physical and cultural environment in which he or she is working . Recent events in Cyprus art have taught the island a lesson in remaining true to its own environmental values, and not to attempt to reject and replace them with imported cultures that have nothing to do with this particular place and even despise it. Yet that does not mean Cyprus should retreat into insular parochialism.
Harding and Rigden show us an alternative. They are London- based English artists who love Cyprus and know its history, culture and environment probably better than most people who are born here.
Through their art they show us that it is possible to bring together, like male and female particples, to give birth to a vital and living art. It is a paradox, but true, the work of artists such as Harding and Rigden is the true international art of Cyprus."

Foam Birth
Dr Antonis Danos on Kakia Catselli-Trachoniti
Just opened at the 2006, Venice Festival until 1st Ocobet at Venice Lido
Here is Dr. Antonis Danos (Assistant Professor Department of Art and design. Intercollege, Nicosia) on the installation.
"Aphrogennimeni – foam-born: one of the epithets of Greek goddess Aphrodite ("foam-arisen") who was born, according to one myth, of the sea foam, near Cyprus.
In recent times, especially in the post-colonial era, Aphrodite has been an integral part of Greek Cypriot, collective self- representation – especially for the sake of outsiders. In a (mostly Greek Orthodox) Christian community, a pagan goddess can only be a superficial ‘cultural’ reference, mostly for tourism purposes.
Yet, at the same time, Aphrodite is a fragment in a larger ideological edifice, that lays claims on an ‘unbroken’, centuries-long, cultural ‘continuity’.
Kakia Catselli-Trachoniti’s "Aphrodite", in her installation, FOAM BIRTH, undermines dominant stereotypes, refrains from participating in dominant discourse(s), and lays claims on a different (part of) tradition.
Instead of overused visual prototypes – such as the Hellenitic, 1stcentury BC statue of Aphrodite from Soloi, on the west coast of Cyprus, or, more famously Botticelli’s Venus - Catselli’s female figure is a ‘generic’ one: a mannequin, such as the ones used by seamstresses, armless and headless (perhaps, a reference to partly-damaged ancient statues, such as the aforementioned Hellenistic Aphrodite), made of plasticised, press foam (an equally skewed reference, this time, to the goddess’s mythological birth}.
The figure stands raised above a platform that is covered with a floor pattern, of the kind that was used in Cypriot houses during most of the previous century, imbuing the set-up, additionally, with a quality of domesticity. Like an a-historic sacred symbol, indifferent to, yet about to receive, people’s offerings, like a woman about to try on her dress-in-the-making ,like a blank surface needing to be inscribed, the raised figure stands motionless. And she gets dressed, she gets inscribed. Her plastic dress – also, a cover-shelter - is decorated with colourful, schematic, floral motives.
These are motifs copied off the ones used in the age-old tradition of making mandilas (mandila = (head) scarf, kerchief, mantilla).
The making of mandilas is now extinct in Cyprus. It was an old tradition, consisting of small family businesses, each safeguarding its secrets regarding the making of dyes, with which the organic motifs are coloured, after their outlines have been printed on the fabric, using wooden-block stencils (manas). The entire process resembled work in a medieval alchemist’s workshop, and the safeguarding of the trade’s ‘secrets’ contributed to the tradition’s demise.
The mandila was an integral part of women’s (and, occasionslly, men’s) attire and often carried various symbolisms. Its public uses included a (still-practiced) brief ritual, in which the parents pass a mandila around the waists of the bride and groom, indicating familial ties, and blessings wished upon the young couple. On other occasions, wearing a black mandila was a sign of grief and mourning.
It is this popular tradition that Caselli’s work refers. The replacement of cloth by plastic, for the ‘dress’, alludes to the death of the elaborate, manual-skill procedure-ritual of mandila making. At the same time, it constitutes a resistance to a nostalgic, clichE – ridden, and thus superficial, tapping into the local past.
Instead, and this is reinforced by the large, palimpsest –like prints that hang on a pole, standing next to the main ‘figure’ of the installation, the entire construction acts as a bearer of personal memory. A memory that inevitably carries aspects of the collective consciousness (as well as of the unconscious), which, however, resists hegemonic, collective discourses. Despite the apparent references to recent tradition and the supposed allusions to time-honoured mythology, Catselli’s foam birth remains stubbornly personal, yet not hermatically sealed: it is open and invites individual, one-to-one encounters and exchanges."
Alexandros Tasou
Alexandros Tasou presents his first personal exhibition of paintings, sculptures and artwork until 11th September at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca. The exhibition is titled The Spirit of Apollon.
Orpheus Gallery’
Orpheus Gallery summer exhibition, until September 30, includes works by Colombian artist Luis Guzman and emerging Cypriot artist Alexis Vayianos.
Both artist are taking part alongside well known Cypriot artists George Erotokritou, George Gerondides, Panikos tsangara and international artists Jeron Geronomides (Brazil), Miriam McConnon (Ireland) and many more.
The exhibition includes works of original paintings, original and limited edition sculpture and glass
Mon/Wed & Sat 10.00 -13.30.
Tues/ Thu & Fri 10.00 -13.00 & 17.00 – 19.00
Open Studios
MORE than forty artists from the Paphos region have agreed to open their studios and workplaces to the public during the first four weekends of September. Not every single in the artist in the eastern end of the island is participating but there are talents galore with the excellent illustrated guide of artists and locations saying that many of them enjoy an international reputation. They also come from many ‘different backgrounds and cultures to make the event truly cosmopolitan’.
Artists from across the Paphos region are opening their studios to the public from 10am. until 6 pm. on the following dates.
2-3 September
9-10 September
16-17 September
23-24 September
As most artists are only opening their studios on certain weekends – allowing them for time to visit each other (some are opening every weekend0 please check to see that each studio is open when you want to visit..
Web-site: www.openstudioscy.com
There is an excellent guide
Try the organizers
Nic Costa 26933356, Sue Harding 26221301, David Lester 26621130, Mary Beth Trotter 99752687, Marina Zach 99699380.

24 August 2006

2009-07-30T04:56:00.002-07:00

Open
Studios
The Open Studios, I recall were held inside the walled city of Nicosia, and, to this day, the group link their brushes and palettes with talent and purpose.
One day, hopefully, this excellent venture will spread over the old city with all participating. Meanwhile, Paphos has extended this vision and more than 40 artists from the Paphos region have agreed to open their studios and workplaces to the public during the first four weekends of September.
Not every single artist in the eastern end of the island is participating but there are talents galore, with the excellent illustrated guide of artists and locations saying that many of them enjoy an international reputation.
They also come from many ‘different backgrounds and cultures to make the event truly cosmopolitan’. Banners bearing the logo on a blue and yellow background will be hanging near the entrances to each artist’s own open studio. The artists include sculptors, potters, carvers, photographers, painters and represent a huge range of interests and styles of working. Artists from across the Paphos region are opening their studios to the public from 10am until 6 pm on the following dates:
2-3 September
9-10 September
16-17 September
23-24 September
As most artists are only opening their studios on certain weekends – allowing them for time to visit each other (some are opening every weekend) please check to see that each studio is open when you want to visit.
Website: www.openstudioscy.com
There is an excellent guide
Try the organisers
Nic Costa 26933356, Sue Harding 26221301, David Lester 26621130, Mary Beth Trotter 99752687, Marina Zach 99699380.
All success.
Remember, though, it’s only the 40 artists on the list who are opening their studios.
Freud and Bacon are unavailable.
was in the London Medea.
Yes, my dear
Saw an excellent interpretation of Euripides’ Medea at Droushia open air theatre in the summer.
This was performed by members of the International Summer Institute for Ancient Greek Drama and Theatre. Directed by workshop leaders Nicos Shiafkalis and Academic Chair Prof. Dr Heinze-Uwe Haus is now Faculty Director, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA, and will be remembered here for his brilliant productions for THOC.
I have seen many productions of Medea – including our own outstanding Jenny Gaitenopoulos and others here in Cyprus from Greece. The Workshop Medea, Jessica Dal Canton, who, of course is still a student, was completely original in her interpretation, sweeping the play with totally original gestures, clear and moving in voice and aims.
The production too, had a warm, sympathetic Nurse played by Marion Pascali Bembedelli played it here), a convincing Jason played by Eric Hilyard and an eloquent Messenger by Efthymios Shiafkalis.
Although I can’t get Jenny’s Medea with her feathered robes and plaintive voice out of my mind, I’ll tell you what? Jessica Dal Canton was more impressive and tragic than Diana Rigg
Orpheus Gallery’s
summer exhibition
Orpheus Gallery summer exhibition is on until September 30 in Limassol and features works by Colombian artist Luis Guzman and emerging Cypriot artist Alexis Vayianos alongside well-known Cypriot artists George Erotocritou, George Yerontides, Panicos Tsangaris and international artists Jeron Geronomides (Brazil), Miriam McConnon (Ireland) and many more.
The exhibition includes works of original paintings, original and limited edition sculpture and glass
Mon/Wed & Sat 10.00 -13.30.
Tues/ Thu & Fri 10.00 -13.00 & 17.00 – 19.00
Atomic Art from
New South Wales
Browsing through The Guardian last week I noticed Kaimaklesian- connected artist Nike Savvas adjusting her new work, Atomix – Full of Love, Full of Wonder for her exhibition at the New South Wales Gallery.
Billed as an Australian artist under the heading “Eye on the Ball ATOMIC ART IN SYDNEY” there was Nike surrounded by 50,000 polystyrene balls photographed by David Gray for Reuters.
Last saw Nike having coffee in Kaimakli Square.
The Spirit of Apollon
Alexandros Tasou presents his first personal exhibition of paintings, sculptures and artwork until 11th September at Kypriaki Gonia, Larnaca. The exhibition is titled “The Spirit of Apollon”.
Alexandros Tasou was born in Rizokarpaso in 1951.
"The environment", as he says, "affected my professional career. My village is near Ayios Philonas, the Temple of Apollon. My family had fields in the area and as a little boy I used to clean these antiquities. I also watched my father making shoes, and my grandfather playing the violin, and repairing pocket watches. I liked what he was doing, and I messed about in his boxes in order to help him. My family’s work, my father as a shoemaker, my grandfather as a watch repairer, the ancient Temple of Apollon, the history of my village and the ancient Greek spirit; all these affected my life.
In 1968 Alexandros went to Israel to study, where he stayed for two years. He then went to London where he lives and works to this day.
"In England I started working with my hands making small items (I Iiked working with my hands) jewellery, handbags, sunglasses, watches and from 1968, I started to make unusual objects.
"Before 1987, only very few persons knew about my work. In 1987 I bought all the old telephones in Cyprus and I used the receivers in making handbags.
"These handbags with telephone receiver were seen all over the world. I appeared in many television shows, and thee handbags and my name were shown in international magazines. I travelled to New York, throughout America Tokyo, Paris, Germany, Switzerland and South Africa. These handbags gave me my first financial help. In Japan I sold half a million handbags, and I used this money to purchase machinery for making watches. I used the same machinery for making sunglasses.
"The Besancon museum in France displays my whole watch collection. Swiss watch magazines and television programmes said that ‘Alexandros Tasou brought watch design to its highest level’. My exhibitions were visited by ‘specialists’ in order to see something special and rare, and ask me for help which has nothing to do with my work; for example, video clips with Michael Jackson, Natalie Call, Anita Becar and many London musicians who made the video clips. I was asked to make costumes and dresses for artists, among others Anna Vissi, and, Pierre Cardin (who helped Alexandros with his first exhibition) has a collection of items".
Video clips of television worldwide interviews are show during the exhibition.
Museum explores pirates
in pop culture
NEWPORT NEWS (AP)
Long before Errol Flynn buckled on a sword or Johnny Depp sailed the Caribbean, the popular image of the pirate has been of a dashing rogue fighting for love, redemption or adventure even as he seeks fortune.
A new exhibition at The Mariners' Museum uses artifacts, images and costumes to examine how literature and film have transformed the brutal thieves and murderers of the high seas into legendary icons.
"As you see the different artifacts we have on display, it's almost stunning to realise how much the romanticised pirate has permeated society, culture," said Marc Nucup, curator of "Swashbuckler: The Romance of the Pirate," which nearly doubled museum attendance during its opening weekend in July.
"When you hear the word 'pirate' or you see imagery that invokes the pirate, you're not thinking the real individual - Blackbeard or Bartholomew Roberts," Nucup said. "You're thinking what has come out of movies, what has come out of books." The nautical museum is exploring pirates in popular culture at a time when pirates seem to be more popular than ever.
Golden age
Sports teams have pirate mascots, advertisers use pirates to make products such as beer or rum seem exotic and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest," starring Depp, has earned more than $370 m so far this summer.
The museum plans to keep the display up through summer 2007 for the expected release of the next movie in the "Pirates" franchise.
Before the romance of pirates there was, of course, the reality. An early Dutch book, "Buccanieers of America," by Alexander Exquemelin, recounted stories of pirates operating in the mid-17th century and was "designed to shock the genteel reader with true exploits of cruelty, thievery," Nucup said. The exhibition includes a 1684 English translation of the book.
The golden age of piracy on the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea ended around 1730, as colonial governments became more organised and were able to suppress pirate activity, Nucup said.
Pirate tales, however, continued to be written - and increasingly embellished. They also were wildly popular, featuring anti-heroes living outside the constraints of civilisation.
In 1814, Lord Byron's poem, "The Corsair," about a pirate captain, sold out its entire run of 10,000 copies in London in one day. And by 1822, when Sir Walter Scott came out with his novel, "The Pirate," pirates were becoming legendary characters, Nucup said.
"They are not just necessarily villains," he said.
"They could be disgraced noblemen. They could be driven to piracy just by circumstance. This is where the romanticism starts coming out of it." Romanticised pirates made for great subjects in paintings as well, and the show includes early 20th-century buccaneer-themed works by Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth.
The tradition of swashbuckling pirates carried over easily into movies, essentially escapist fantasies. "Captain Blood," a 1935 film starred Errol Flynn, who epitomised the gentleman pirate - a man of breeding, charm and polish.
The show contrasts that Hollywood image with that of a real gentleman who made a lousy pirate. In 1717, Stede Bonnet left a respectable life in Barbados to cruise the east coast of the American colonies. The next year, he was captured by South Carolina authorities and hanged.
Black pirate
Douglas Fairbanks Sr's title character in the 1926 film "The Black Pirate" became the basis of the movie pirate charming and athletic. He's a nobleman seeking to avenge the death of his father.
The real Black Pirate, Bartholomew Roberts, earned the nickname "Black Bart" because he captured slave ships. He was gutted by a cannonball while trying to escape a British navy warship in 1722, and his body was thrown into the sea.
The exhibition also features weapons. Nucup explained that movies tend to show pirates using rapiers in drawn-out sword fights modelled after the sport of fencing, while in reality, cutlasses, axes and knives were more practical.
Hollywood also tends to ignore reality when designing pirate costumes - mostly military-style coats with heavy embroidery. Real pirates wore whatever clothing they could find - usually made of plain wool or linen - and often couldn't be distinguished from common sailors, Nucup said.
Pirate movies also get it wrong when it comes to mode of transportation, often featuring large, three-masted vessels. Most real pirates had small ships that could get away quickly, he said.
The exhibition finishes with examples of modern-day pirates, such as terrorists who were chased off the coast of Somalia early this year by the guided missile destroyer USS Winston S. Churchill.
Interspersed throughout the displays are activities for children, as well as adults who are game. Visitors can clamour about a pirate ship set and watch their antics on camera. They also can make pirate flags and hats and try to decipher a pirate code hidden throughout the exhibition test.
Arrivals
THE works of two Cypriot artists, Christodoulos Panayiotou and Nicos Charalambides have drawn considerable interest in exhibitions in Britain as part of the “Arrivals” series, along with artists from 10 new members of the European Union.
Panayiotou’s “Truly” series was opened at the Modern Art Gallery, in Oxford by Niki Katsiaouni, cultural officer at the Cyprus High Commission. The work “Truly” clinched the Deste first prize in Athens last year.
On September 5, Panayiotou will “stage” a discussion with four leading intellectuals from Oxford, introduced by Margaret Robb Tufnell of Turner Contemporary, and Suzanne Cotter, a senior member of Modern Art Oxford.
As from July 28, painter Nicos Charalambides shows at the Turner Contemporary, Margate, with a mixed show including installations on site, video, posters and banners dealing with the present situation in Cyprus.
This exhibition too, was opened by Katsiaouni.
World’s largest
painting
STOCKHOLM (AP)
It may not be the world's greatest artwork, but a Swedish man's 8,000-sq.m painting is definitely the biggest.
David Aberg said he spent 2 1/5 years and 100 tons of paint to complete his work, titled "Mother Earth" inside an aircraft hangar in Angelholm, southern Sweden.
Guinness World Records in London confirmed it was the world's largest painting done by a lone artist, more than twice as big as the previous record holder.
Aberg's painting depicts a woman holding a peace sign.
"The idea was to do something for peace," Aberg said.
"This is a peace painting that symbolises the world with the woman as its symbol." He completed the painting at the end of June and Guinness approved the record last week.

10 August 2006

2009-07-30T04:56:00.001-07:00

Klitsa in Belgium
3rd International Arts Project Tempus-Arti
KLITSA Antoniou’s installation on the river De Kleine Gete, in Zoutleeuw, Belgium, will be on display until the end of September.
Here is information sent by the 3rd International Arts Project Tempus-Arti.
During the summer of 2006, Drieliuk vzw and the municipalities of Landen. Linten and Zoutleeuw, will host projects by international artists at 18 locations in the Flemish region of Haspengouw-Hageland in Belgium.
Curators of the event are Dirk Lambrechts and Jan Muls.
By integrating his/her work into these settings, the artist is participating in a marvellous art-parcours and the Tempus Arti contest.
Klitsa Antoniou, whose work is known in Belgium from previous participations, was invited to send a proposal following the theme of the exhibition - "Contrast".
Her installation - "Airborne Exodus" - was selected from amongst many works submitted.
Antoniou will present a floating installation on the river De Kleine Gete in Zoutleeuw.
The Installation consists of more than 60 frames, each one showing a fragment of a photograph of the Cyprus Sea.
On this puzzle of images, land 50 black birds. Antoniou’s work has an apparent reference to the physical and geographical characteristics of her birthplace:
"Being located within the Mediterranean, I am defined not by cultural entities with apparent, easily seperable and dominant peculiarities, by constant and common archetypal structures, or by ontological and a-historical principles, but from numerous internal differences and antinomies, influenced by both the East and the West.
"Such identities are marked by historical transformations, and are defined by disputable areas, and by tendencies toward isolation and self-alienation.
"Such schismatic, rather than coherent and self-conscious, tendencies exist in an on-going process of articulation and re-encoding, especially when major historical interventions take place.
The historico-cultural landscape is a mobile, changeable assemblage of cultural heterogeneity, with an either subtle or a perceptible tendency toward intermittent, multiple hybridisations that produce layers of traces.
" ‘Airborne Exodus’ is consequent of this facto-graphic material, of ‘Mare Nostrum,’ a chronotopos, whose epicentre lies in the nostalgia for a "sea exit". The solace, liberation, even regeneration, normally promised by the water element, as it has been transmuted into a cultural idiom in my work, is revealed as not only a cultural construct, a fabrication, but the site of misplaced romanticism, false sentiment and nostalgia."
The exhibition opened on Sunday and the works will remain in display until the end of September.
Orpheus Gallery Summer Exhibition
ORPHEUS Gallery"s (Limassol) summer exhibition includes works by Colombian artist Luis Guzman and emerging Cypriot artist Alexis Vayianos.
Both artists are taking part in the Orpheus Summer exhibition until September 30 and alongside are well-known Cypriot artists George Erotokritou, George Gerondides, Panikos Tsangaras and international artists Jeron Geronomides (Brazil), Miriam McConnon (Ireland) and others.
Mon, Wed and Sat 10am-1.30pm
Tues,Thursday and Friday 10am-1pm& 5pm-7pm.

03 August 2006

2009-07-30T04:54:00.000-07:00

Berlin to return painting
to Jewish family
BERLIN (AP)
A 1913 PAINTING by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner depicting a lively Berlin street scene will be returned to heirs of the Jewish family that was forced to hand it over to the Nazis before World War II, the state government said.
Kirchner's oil painting ''Berliner Strassenszene'' has hung in the Bruecke Museum in the German capital since 1980. It will remain in the museum until it is returned to heirs of the family that originally owned it, Berlin's State Ministry for Culture said in a statement.
No details of the restitution, including the identity of the original owners, or the heirs, were to be released, the statement said.
Experts estimate the painting's value at over 10m euros\.
Bernd Schultz, a modern art expert for the Berlin-based auction house Villa Grisebach, said he considers the painting to be one of the most outstanding in Kirchner's series of street scenes.
Kirchner, born in 1880 in the western German town of Aschaffenburg, was one of the most creative artists of ''Die Bruecke,'' or “The Bridge”, a group of German painters that he co-founded in 1905.
The painting ''Berliner Strassenszene,'' which depicts a woman in red within an urban crowd dressed in blue, is characterised by its vibrant colours.
In 1933, the painting was taken to Switzerland by its Jewish owners as part of an art collection, where it was exhibited in Basel and Zurich, the ministry said.
Three years later, the Jewish owners sent seven paintings, including Kirchner's ''Berliner Strassenszene,'' to the Art Association of Cologne. An art collector then bought the paintings, but it is uncertain whether the Jewish owners ever saw any of this money, the ministry said.
After World War II, the new owners donated the painting to the Staedel museum in Frankfurt. It was then acquired by the state of Berlin in 1980, ''in good faith,'' the ministry said.
In his later career Kirchner became an internationally successful painter. After the Nazis seized power, they confiscated 639 of his paintings from museums and, in despair, he took his own life in 1938.
Heirs challenge ruling
VIENNA (AP)
THE descendants of one of Austrian artist Gustav Klimt's models are challenging an arbitration ruling that his painting of their great-grandmother does not have to be returned to them, a newspaper reported last week.
The great-grandchildren of Amalie Zuckerkandl are appealing the arbitration panel's decision that the portrait should not be returned to them because it did not represent a case of illegal gain by the Nazis, Der Standard reported, citing the family's lawyer Alfred Noll.
The lawyer was not immediately available to comment on the report.
The newspaper said that the family was forced to sell the painting because it needed money to buy Zuckerkandl's daughter a certificate required by the Nazis. Citing Noll, the newspaper said the Nazis would not allow her husband to work, without providing details.
Vienna art dealer Vita Kuenstler bought the painting and donated it to the Austrian Gallery Belvedere in 1988.
In its May ruling, the panel found the family's financial problems were not due to Nazi persecution and that Zuckerkandl's daughter later had the means to buy back the painting, Der Standard quoted the lawyer as saying.
Austria has returned hundreds of works to their rightful owners or heirs - most of them Jewish - under a 1998 culture property restitution law.
Museums disagree with
Nazi art survey
NEW YORK (AP)
Despite a survey showing that many US museums have not yet researched claims of stolen Nazi-era art, two museum organisations say that most looted art has been identified.
''We don't think there are a lot more,'' Mimi Gaudieri, executive director of the American Association of Museum Directors, said.
''Most of the museums have been working diligently on researching these works with a gap in provenance and, in most cases, have been able to fill the gaps.''
The works include a painting of Mary and Jesus by Lucas Cranach the Elder from the North Carolina Museum of Art, a Matisse painting from the Seattle Art Museum and a 17th-century Dutch painting from the Denver Art Museum.
The Conference of Jewish Material Claims Against Germany reported Tuesday that 118 out of 332 museums, or 35%, have not reported on their progress to determine whether their collections contain works that might have been stolen during the Holocaust.
Among museums that did meet a July 10 deadline, 33% provided incomplete information, the organisation said.
Gaudieri, whose association represents 170 museum directors, said that some of the museums that did not respond do not own collections dating back to World War II or before, and others are too small to devote a significant part of their budget to researching Nazi-era art.
The New York-based Claims Conference was established after World War II to help Holocaust survivors and their relatives reclaim property.
In 1998, the Claims Conference asked US museums to research ''covered objects,'' defined as artwork created before 1946 that changed ownership after the Nazis came to power, possibly in Europe.
The museum directors' group issued guidelines in 1998, urging museums to dedicate resources and personnel to find such art.
The Claims Conference, with the US government and others, provided initial funding for the creation of the American Association of Museums' Nazi-Era Provenance Internet Portal, a search engine covering tens of thousands of museum objects that might have been looted.
The Internet Portal also strongly disagrees with the Claims Conference survey, saying that the survey was too broad and some museums have no works that could have been stolen by Nazis because their collections contain art created after 1946.
Of the museums surveyed, 20 reported that they faced a claim against them, from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston and the Art Institute of Chicago to Washington's National Gallery of Art.
The survey, conducted in cooperation with the World Jewish Restitution Organisation, found that only a third of the museums had a separate budget for researching provenance (the history of an artwork's ownership), only a tenth employed a full-time researcher and at least a third said they did not conduct such research.
Besides art in museum collections, an unknown number of Nazi-looted works may still be privately owned, said Gaudieri and Gideon Taylor, executive vice president of the Claims Conference. They both said that other works are in the hands of foreign museums and owners.
Natural phenomena drive listening gallery at museum
FAIRBANKS (AP)
When the next big earthquake hits, John Luther Adams jokes, he'll be running into the University of Alaska Museum of the North while everyone else runs out.
He won't be able to resist hearing music the quake generates in the provocative gallery he designed, The Place Where You Go to Listen.
What nature left quiet, Adams has assigned sound. The 53-year-old avant-garde composer gave digital notes to natural phenomena such as earthquakes, the aurora borealis and the Moon, then let their movements dictate the composition in a never-ending chamber music performance. He calls it tuning the world.
"It's a self-contained world of sound and light that is directly connected to the real world," Adams says.
"My job was to map that world, tune it, set it in motion and trust the forces of nature to provide the moment-to-moment music and atmosphere in the space."
The space is all is white, except for five coated glass panels wide, lighted by colours that change with the position of the sun. Data feeds from five seismic stations north and south of Fairbanks send readings of earthquake activity to a computer that translates them into sound.
Moon
Likewise, magnetometers from Kaktovik on the Arctic coast to Gakona in the Alaska Range send in live readings of disturbances in the Earth's magnetic field, which on dark nights, are reflected as the aurora borealis.
Sky conditions and the position of the sun and moon add to the concert. Sound pours through 14 speakers in the walls and ceiling.
Under bright skies a few days after summer solstice, the glass panels glowed yellow across the top and a deep blue along the bottom. As might be expected with nearly 22 hours of daylight, the sun sound dominated, high and bright, like fairies gabbing.
Rumbling below, tied to feeds from the seismic stations, were dark, foreboding rumblings of what Adams calls "earth drums." The Moon - a soloist in the composition - was just a sliver. Likewise, aurora activity was minimal, leaving those two voices out of the sound landscape except to the keenest ear.
The moon showed up a few days later, almost reedy, like a child blowing on an empty Coke bottle. It took the edge off the bright sun sound, like putting on a pair of sunglasses on a radiant day.
To the first-time visitor, it can be just so much noise.
But people who linger may detect subtle changes, feeling the sounds pulsate, picking out voices in the choir.
The juxtaposition of sounds is a mix of audacious, unearthly tones that baffles anyone expecting a traditional melody.
Expansion
Adams is used to causing such sensations. His compositions have been described as mesmerising, abrasive or unsettling - and if nothing else, challenging.
His album, "The Mathematics of Resonant Bodies," a 70-minute piece for a percussion soloist, includes eight minutes of crashing cymbals and an entire movement written for an air-raid siren. As planning began for a $42m museum expansion, director Aldona Jonaitis wanted something that appealed to the ear. She credits Adams for the concept.
Adams said it was her idea. "She asked me for a quiet, contemplative space within this busy, vibrant museum," he says.
"I thought this was a great opportunity to have a sound experience that communicated the sense of place in Alaska, which is what the whole museum is about," Jonaitis says.
That part was easy for Adams, who has looked for inspiration from the landscape, birds, Yukon river and Native Alaskans.
He likes to say he's not interested in telling stories or painting pictures with music, but evoking the experience of visiting a special place.
"I want music to be a kind of wilderness, and I want to get hopelessly lost in it," he says. "Some of the moments when I've felt most alive, most aware, have been times when I've been out, miles and miles from roads, in the middle of all that expanse." Just as the wilderness doesn't come with directions, Adams provides minimal explanation.
"I could have used natural sounds," he says. "I could have been much more illustrative and given the sounds much higher profiles and made the thing much more active than it is, but that isn't what I wanted to do. This is about extending our awareness."
Adams lets the elements control the music's pacing. The sound changes on real time. Many visitors walk out with the comment, "
It doesn't change." The gallery has no way to let them hear how the room might sound on winter solstice with northern lights shimmering above. If you want to hear that, you have to come back in December.
"This piece requires, and I hope, seduces and invites, the listener to become a participant and to find her own way into this and have her own experience inside this work," Adams says.
Adams didn't so much compose the music as unleash it.
"Every time I walk in that door I'm as surprised as anyone," he says.
"I can't predict the actual moment-to-moment atmosphere and texture and coloration of the moment." The music is tied to natural phenomenon but there's little natural about the digital sound.
Jonaitis said the room will ring true to Alaskans who have experienced the aurora, the midnight sun or a storm sweeping in from the Alaska Range.
"There's nothing like it in the world," she says.

08 June 2066

2009-07-30T04:46:00.002-07:00

Arts Page Friday 9th June 06
Square root
EMMA May exhibition at ‘Hasder’
This exhibition is comprised of the works of a group of artists (Aysen Dagli, Kadir Kaba, Nilgun Guney, Ozgul Ezgin, Panikama , Sinem Ertaner, Turegun Tunc, Zehra Sonya) from a wide rage of disciplines, who got together months ago, calling themselves ‘Lilith’.
Their goal was to gather together artists/people from a variety of art disciplines and enter the production process by discussing art, increasing their interaction and what they share together in an environment which does not lack criticism.
The artists have been trying to create new alternatives from a wider perspective by discussing the ideas put forward or the existing models, as well as having the opportunity to look upon the artworks and artists outside of the group. Within this process, the notion that interdisciplinary interaction is inevitable and it is crucial for every artist was one of the constructive outcomes of the group work.
The artists also went through the difficulties of being part of a group, indicating that this sort of a method, which they tried for the first time, has excited them and gave them the chance to open themselves up to brand new ideas, thus agreeing to continue their works together.
Facing separations and fragmentations through creative processes, the group members decided to abandon their original concept they had in mind and embark on "Square Root" for their first exhibition.
An artist of the group, Kadir Kaha, theorises this separation – this problematique, which for him is the square root of life – primarily over the isolated/alienated individual. Later, he gives us the chance to re-evaluate and perceive the life that we are living, by raising the sub texts found in the simplicity and silence of photograph frames to the social scale.
Ozgul Ezgi on the other hand, draws attention by the parts she foregrounds from the female body. She highlights these parts, almost as a rebellion against the social values, which represent those qualities inherent to the nature of the female being yet sidelined, repressed or unwanted by the society. This rebellion is also a critique of the female image, which with its hundreds of years of past, has been presented as a commodity.
Carrying on her literary works, Teregun Tunc, who is actualising her first video, will present the feeling of being in a tight corner of her loneliness and depression. In this work, a form of reality and actual youthfulness found in that reality which is raised to the level of schizophrenia by the social suppression, is revealed, reaching an alarming level.
Proceeding from pixels and molecular experiments, another young artist, Sinem Ertaner, studies humanity and our age from a totally different perspective. With her installation, she scrutinizes the concepts of time-place and the position/existence/non-existence of being caught up in between these two infinities
The acclaimed painter Nilgun Guney is taking part in this exhibition with a 3D work. At the performance in the opening, the artist, who questions the creation of the humanity, will be painting and re-creating the first human being/Adam, and emphasising the female-made binary and their differences, which are prevalent at this point of humanity.
With her work entitled as "Aglama Duvari" (“The Wailing Wall”), Zehra Sonya deals with what it means to live in Cyprus, and she questions this through the frames of reality she faces everyday.
Aysen Dagh and Panikadam, who were present at the beginning of the foundation meetings of the group have contributed immensely to the meetings and art discussions but unfortunately they have not been able to join the exhibition.
************************
Re-tales at Artos
Notes from critics on Maria Papacharalambous’ hangings which can now be seen at the Artos Foundation:
"Thus she declares that she is now able to paint with the use of fragments and materials, without the use of a brush, whose role in her work, although of decreasing importance, she has until today maintained. The cloth background, which in her previous works was painted freely with large strokes, now consists of clean pieces of fabric cut into wide strips, synthesising an orchestrated puzzle."
"One could therefore accept that Maria Papacharalambous lifts up her works like banners in celebration of a new, freer and more mature phase of her work"
"I beleive that Maria Papacharalambous chose to give the form of a childish image made of rags (Retalia in Greek – hence Re-Tales) in order to refer to something very serious and which she herself is attempting to exorcise by turning it into a plaything."
"With artistic mastery, Maria Papacharalambous synthesises a small world, which at first sight, appears childish. A microcosm, which, if looked at carefully, is governed by a strict structure reminiscent of DNA mapping, on which are "grafted" like toys the acquired elements that define us."
"The reconstruction of the image attempted through the use of styles such as patchwork, puzzle and collage and the reconstruction of memory through fragments of childhood chosen because of their common mnemonic load is a process doubly painful – both emotionally and conceptually, which succeeds in transfusing the word of children into the world of adults. How else other than with play could one escape the pain and manage to transfuse idiosyncrasy and privacy in the work offered for exhibition and ‘consumption’ ?
"Well, I believe that Maria Papacharalambous has found the most suitable way by making full use of the power granted to her as creative artist. Showing what is serious to be light, lifting it "high as a feather, free as the wind".
By Katerina Koskina, art historian and curator, Athens, and others.
**************
Garth Frost at Gloria Gallery
Garth Frost has lived here in Cyprus before. Welcome back, Garth. The country needs you.
Here at Gloria’s it’s very sophisticated work indeed. Most, if not all of the glorious paintings relate to fruits; ripe and succulent. To suggest they suggest eroticism is being very, very modest actually.
The best of these superb works are many times more sensuous than any nudes anywhere else in town. They are also very beautiful in their own right. Full of life, vigour and personal power and very gorgeous indeed.
An outstanding exhibition so positive and - well – tasteful.
*************
Averkios Averkiou at Opus 39
Averkios Averkiou was born in Nicosia in1958 and is the son of the late Costas Averkiou, the well known painter and engraver. He will be presenting his latest work in digital prints on canvas, signed and in limited numbers.
Through a combination of design and colour the artist finds solutions and choices for whatever you have to decorate. It is said the importance of "decorative art" is that it can be created and delivered quickly in many colours and sizes in affordable prices.
Averkios Averkiou’s works can be found in Cyprus, Greece and other places in Europe, Canada and USA.
Opening Tuesday 13th of June at 8.00 pm.
******************
Katia Agroti’s Kaleidoscope
Flowers and sculptures made in her studio at 24A Kennedy Avenue. Her exhibition opens on Wednesday, June 14th from 18:00 until 21:00.
From coral and mother of pearl. Vibrant coloured pearls and corals and shells. Intriguingly rough lava and stones set in 18kt gold or silver.
Katia Agroti’s "treasures" at Kennedy Avenue until Saturday June 24.
Exhibition hours 10:00 – 14:00, 17:00- 20;00 (daily except Sundays)
******
Other shows
CastelLiotissa had a huge very squashed exhibition organised by the Rotaract Club of Nicosia with the rather grand title of Nicosia Art Festival 2006.
I believe the curator tried her best but would have done better with a quarter amount of the work huddled frame to frame.
Ceramics at Argo: More of this beautiful exhibition when the Arts Page has photographs to show you. Five ceramists demonstrate with skill and imagination the oldest art form in Cyprus.
Super-real at Gallery K right through June. Mixed and talented. Until the end of the month.
Pantheon has/had a student exhibition of work from Intercollege. Nice poster. Nice invites. The poster has the wrong dates on (what are beautiful posters for if not accurate?) and you need to borrow magnifying glasses to read the dates on the invites. I did and waited for nearly an hour in a grubby stairwell on a very hot morning.
Diatopos has Maria Perendou in an exhibition of paintings called Twilight. Her work was about the best at the last Power House show. Maria lives in Paris. I’ll attempt to get into the gallery. If allowed. And give her a full complimentary report.
Osman Keten exhibits at HP Art Gallery. Excellent works full of feeling.
The Summer Mixed at Apocalypse contains works by at least 15 artists.
Captions…
Photos
Colour
1: Alexi… George wants this BIG!!!
CHROMATIC REVOLUTION: A brilliant piece by George Savvides at Opus 39.
2:
BLOCKS: Oil painting by George Savvides at Opus 39.
7. ALEXI … USE ONLY IF NEEDED
FRUIT: Painting by Garth Frost at Gloria’s.
*********
Black and white
4:
SURPRISE: Surprise, Surprise at the Malgorzata Swiatlowska opening. Ute Stylianou, Ambassador Rolph Kaiser, Magda Fantaros, Zbyszek Irzenski and Urszula Savvopoulou. Photo by Michalis Phantaros
5 :
BEGUILING: George Kotsonis at Apocalypse.
6:
STITCH IN TIME: Maria Papacharalambous at Artos Foundation.

18 May 2006

2009-07-30T04:25:00.001-07:00

Nine go mad in Holland
JANE Walker has had two excellent exhibitions in Cyprus but is now in Amsterdam, where she met Nicholas Panayi’s art history group the other week.
Here is her description of an incident.
"If you were an elevator in Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, would you want to be stuck between two floors with ten Cypriot artists on board? Not if you were meant to hold a maximum of five persons,that is for sure.
"But Nicholas Panayi’s art history group, having chosen Holland for their annual trip, didn’t have enough Dutch to work that one out.
"After an anxious 15 minutes discovering what a sardine feels like, they were finally released to go to see the masterpieces in the Rembrandt Caravaggio exhibition.
"The engineer gave a sympathetic shrug, ‘don’t worry, you were not the worst. The record is held by a party of 13 Chinese’.
"The Rembrandt Caravaggio Exhibition was the highpoint of the trip.
"Carravagio was the "Rembrandt of the South," whose dramatically lit canvases were mainly all painted before Rembrandt was born but influenced him through a group of Dutch followers.
"Rembrandt would have turned 400 this year had he lived that long.
"Fortunately, most of his paintings have, and in the Mauritzhaus in the Hague, The Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam and in the nearby Van Gogh Museum together with the enchanting Rembrandthaus, where the artist lived and worked, many of them are on show.
"But the trip was not just for Rembrandt…. It was the time of year when the Dutch bulb fields were at their most dramatically, colorfully stripy and the flower park at Keukenhof was at its best.
"The extraordinary highly-coloured blooms in the park, coupled with the many sculptures that were on display added up to a rich feast for the eye.
"A high point was the visit to the Royal Talens, where the Rembrandt and Van Gogh Oil Paints are made. The whole range is available at the Kazinos art materials store in Nicosia. We saw from the bags of pigment in the store, through the mixing process with potato starch binder, through the fine-grinding process to the filling of the tubes for distribution.
"A richly visual experience in itself and the factory gave us a typically Dutch lunch, with raw herring, meatball soup, Gouda cheese and other specialities all washed down with the local beverage karnemelk - a kind of buttermilk.
"On the last day, energy levels still high, in the morning, we managed the Escher museum in the Hague where the breathtaking illusory, precision drawing of Escher left us reeling whereas the kitsch chandeliers in the forms of umbrellas and fish etc
had us laughing and in the afternoon we went to Haarlem where the huge canvasses by Van Hals, in the Museum that bears his name, enabled us to see what sensitive human qualities had stolen into Dutch portraiture even before Rembrandt appeared on the scene … the hands and faces painted by Frans Hals were unforgettable."
Jane Walker

Richard Wentworth at the Pharos Center
RICHARD Wentworth has played a leading role in New British Sculpture since the end of the 70’s.
His work centers on the idea of transformation, of subtly altering and juxtaposing everyday objects which has both altered the traditional definition of sculpture and, in turn, fundamentally changes the way we perceive the world around us.
By transforming and manipulating industrial and/or found objects into works of art, Wentworth subverts their original function and extends our understanding of them by breaking the conventional system of classification. His palette is one of ladders and lightbulbs, buckets and tins, tables and chairs, sometimes with legs partly sawn off and counterbalanced by a weight as if to defy gravity.
"I live in a ready-made landscape," he remarked early in his career, "and I want to put it to use."
Richard Wentworth was born in 1974 in Samoa. He attended Hornsey College of Art from 1965 and worked with Henry Moore as an assistant in 1967. He was awarded an MA in 1970 from the Royal College of Art and went on to become one of the most influential teachers in British art over the past two decades at Goldsmith’s college, University of London, where he taught from 1971 to 1987.
He was appointed by the prestigious German Academic Exchange Programme (DAAD) to work in Berlin from 1993 to 1994, and in 2002 was made Master of the Ruskin School of Drawing and Fine Art, Oxford University.
He was one of the selected artists in the London section of the 2002 Sao Paolo Biennial and in 1999 curated ‘Thinking Aloud’, one of the most creative contemporary exhibition projects staged in the past five years and which was seen in Cambridge, London and Manchester.
He now lives in London.

Dance in the Spotlight
THE Cultural Society of the Poles in Cyprus (MALWA) had an exceptionally wonderful evening at Castelliotissa last week.
Organised by Urszula Savvopoulou, it reminded one of those ‘vernisages’ of past times.
There was even a grand piano on call.
There were two major photographers exhibiting work.
Christos Avraamides was born in Nicosia in 1956. He studied photography at a film school. Currently he works in the Press & Information Office of the Republic of Cyprus.
In 1998 he received the title Artiste FIAP (AFIAP) from the International Organisation of Artistic Photographers. He has won many artistic photography competitions in Cyprus and abroad.
Christos has held five individual exhibitions (four in Cyprus, one in Greece) and has participated in four group exhibitions: Thessaloniki (2000), Belgrade (2001, 2003) and Paris (2003)
Stanislaw Ekier was born in 1955 in Warsaw. In 1977, he finished in first place in the course on portraiture and action under the direction of the esteemed Witold Dederka.
In 1978, he underwent Study at the Union of Polish Photographic Artists, following with work as a photographer in the Polish Ballet School of Warsaw.
He has had many exhibitions in Poland and elsewhere in Europe and has been a full member of the Union of Polish Photographic Artists since 1993.
Each of the two artists presented dance "painted in light"; each however, has applied his own original technique and the individual approach.
Modern dance, expressed through modern means by one and classical ballet, presented in old, forgotten techniques of the 19th century, by the other, created an unforgettable atmosphere allowing the public to appreciate the variety and freedom of choice.
The photographs of the two artists invited us to an unforgettable meeting with Terpsychora in a unique and original way.
The evening was opened by Arianna Economou, who was hidden in a mound of paper before the music started. It was like a cross between Debby Reynolds popping out of the birthday cake in Dancing in the Rain and Patricia Phillips entangled in a sculpture by Andreas Savvides in Synergy One. Great.
More please Urszula Savvopoulou.

Textile Landscapes
THIS is an exhibition by Malgorzata Swiatlowska.
Within the framework of the German-Polish Year 2005/06 the German Cultural Centre, Goethe-Zentrum Nicosia, and the Cultural Association of the Poles in Cyprus, Malwa, followed their governments suggestion to reconnect the cultures of the two neighbouring countries who had been estranged by a difficult past, to cross the divide and to share their respective cultural wealth.
The Goethe-Zentrum and Malwa co-organized a cycle of events that started with an exhibition by German painter and poet Alexander Fleischer and will end with the exhibition ‘Textile Landscapes’ by the young Polish artist Malgorzata Swiatlowska who obtained her Master’s Degree from the renowned Academy of Fine Arts in Krakow, Poland.
Malgorzata Swiatlowska started her studies in painting and subsequently specialised in textile art, which has long since broken with techniques of traditional tapestry.
Swiatlowska selects light, delicate, transparent or more solid fabric to compose long flag-like units in which most different elements are kept in balance.
She creates objects at times of subdued hues, at times of intense brightness, but always in controlled harmony where each element preserves its own value.
Smooth surfaces are opposed to wrinkled ones, lines interfere with squares, transparent elements become solid and dissolve again.
There is no searching for spectacular effects, Swiatlowska’s art distinguishes itself by the sensitive interweaving of varied structures, surfaces and colours.
Textile landscapes are one of the artist’s favourite themes.
She comments on her own work in the following way: "I have been fascinated by textile art for a long period. Above all, I am interested in the three dimensions of my objects and their interference with space. When I realize my projects, I apply old weaving techniques, applications and batik as well as textile printing. While creating the surface of Gobelins, I prefer the low relief, whereby the textile fabric receives a new structure. The main characteristic of my works presumably lies in my own particular way of creating landscapes."
The exhibition will be opened on May 23, at 8pm, at Famagusta Gate, Nicosia, by Pavlos Paraskevas, Senior Cultural Officer at the Ministry of Culture and Education. It closes on May 30.
Opening hours: Daily 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm. Saturday/Sunday4pm-8pm.

11 May 2006

2009-07-30T04:24:00.001-07:00

A strange
week
FOR a while I thought some recruiting sergeants had turned up to encourage the young to leave the island to study art.
But, no, it was our Haris Pellapaisiotis organising his very welcome seminars, symposiums with manifestationary eagerness.
We can learn a lot from Haris, an artist with vision and ability.
Now and again the audience sat with interest listening to nothing said thrice by a visionary lecturer but not from Haris.
Richard Wentworth was brilliant, too, and don’t forget his exhibition at the Pharos Centre for Contemporary Art which continues until July 31.0
Autobiography 2
revisited
FIONA Stanbury went to Tefkros Angelides’s exhibition at Opus 39 and here are her comments:
"I was very impressed by Tefkros’s pictures and his artistic approach. Using all kinds of materials, from torn water colour paper, to coloured glass strips, mosaic tiles, shells, pieces of wire, leaves, and drawings, he creates images that are very complete.
"They invite you to look very closely at them, and the more you look, the more you become aware of the complex dialogue between the many different types of edges and textures.
"Tefkros is extremely sensitive in his use of different kinds of edges, and it is evident that every element in the picture is very carefully considered. Some pictures are almost like sculptures, in the way that the paper is gouged to reveal layers of drawings or textures, and sometimes the materials are placed in such a way that they stand out in relief.
"There are also pictures with objects stuck on, such as plastic figures, or with pieces of wire pinned on , or twisted around pins in patterns. The images evoke their own world and are not merely a collection of assembled objects.
"Each picture brings together the various components in a way that rises above their individual identities, and creates an extremely poetical and personal composition.
"I especially liked the pictures with the torn sheets of painted watercolour paper (which looked like the sea, with the edges like frothy waves) and the way this played against the hard, uncompromising elements of glass tiles, wood and strips of wood."
This exhibition is not to be missed and you will want to look for a long time.
It closes on Saturday, May 13.
He’s back and
En-Plo’s got him
JAMES Gibbs shows his new work at En-Plo, Paphos harbour until the 23rd of the month.
His exhibition features a diversity of new work, "from the empty quarter (!) and Arabian Sea, with much emphasis on sardine eyes and the design and mechanisms of shoal behaviour."
The exhibition will include landscapes of Cyprus, the UK and the Indian Ocean and recent abstracts of the seasons.
Dora Qronti Shantou is not exhibiting at Dromena, Strovolos at the moment but is replaced by paintings by Takis Kalorkotis whose exhibition will be opened by Demetris Christofias, the President of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday the 17th May, continuing until the 27th of the month. Dora will be having an exhibition in autumn.
Maria Papacharalambous’s latest work can be seen at Artos Foundation from May 26 until June 10.
Angelos Michaelides is currently exhibiting at Artos.
Marcia Leonidou is at Pizza Express until June 16.
My Shop (the exhibition) continues until May 19th. This is near Finikas Restaurant, just off Ledra Street, Nicosia.
Alpha Gallery has Alekos Fassianos until May 14.
Vassilis Mita is at Diachroniki until the 29th of the month.
Constantinos Constantinides (Windows to the Soul) closes at Apocalypse tomorrow, Saturday the 13th.
Pablo Antonio Rodriguez Vidal, Ambassador of Cuba in Cyprus, said in his opening of Constantinos’ exhibition: " Fountain of nocturnal water for Black Tears, as an old Cuban song says. In his works, the Maestro shows us as well the deep sorrows and pains that his soul shelters; the innermost feelings hurt by the division of his beloved land; then the clay emits a light that illuminates the past and the future and becomes his weapon."
Glyn Hughes, at Gloria Gallery, ground floor "Post Wrexham," first floor Artist in Residence "Pedieos Ormitikos." Closing on Monday 15th when the ten canvases will be completed by about 7.30pm.
Art Mmisshimou is continuing at Limassol with Bushra Shamma.
Tassos Stephanides 1917-1996
PAINTINGS by Tassos, Kate and Panos Stephanides can be seen from tonight at Kypriaki Gonia until May 30.
Dr Antonis Danos writes on Tassos’ painting:
"Stephanides belongs to a group of important Cypriot artists who did not receive ‘formal’ art education in some foreign art schools.
Despite this, and often in contrast to some of their equally important, art-school educated colleagues, they produced work that did not go through acute qualitative and/or formal changes.
Already existing in the work that Stephanides presented in the 1950s and, especially, in the 60s (with his first solo exhibition), are basic formal and subject matter elements that will run through his future artistic course.
He presented expressionistic paintings – with references to early European modernism – that come a short distance from total abstraction. It is an abstraction, however, that is far from the cool, geometric and formal ‘purity’ of Piet Mondrian, for instance.
Instead, it is close to Vassily Kandinsky’s early abstraction, and which contains, even vaguely, recognisable forms and, more importantly, is imbued with spirituality and idealism.
As Stephanides said in a 1979 interview in Simerini: "Painting, as with all fine arts, is contemplation, spirituality."
And, even though, in the same interview, he expresses his objection to a "return (in international art) of representational painting," he was himself too restless and dynamic a spirit to abolish completely any recognisable elements in his pictures, and to deal exclusively with issues of purely formal nature."

Cosmos at Opus 39
Mixed with a dash of Barcelona, a group exhibition called Cosmos opens on Monday, May 15 at Opus 39, continuing until the 27th.
Here are the five:
Evgenia Karamouzi was born in Athens and studied Graphic Design at the Higher School of Art, Thessaloniki, with professor V. Dimitris.
In 1999, she studied Art Therapy in Barcelona and also engraving and lithography.
Niki Pashiou was born in Nicosia and studied at the Higher School of Art, Thessaloniki and later in Barcelona.
Terpsichore Xanthopoulou was born in Thessaloniki, studied in that town and later in Barcelona
Chrysanthi Farmakas was born in Nicosia, studied in Athens under Tetsis and Paraspyrou, and then Engraving in Barcelona.
Andreana Campanella was born in Nicosia and has also studied in Thessaloniki.

School project becomes
thriving poster business
NEW ORLEANS (AP)
All Bud Brimberg was hoping for back in 1975 was a project for his entrepreneurial class and maybe a way to avoid practicing law.
What he ended up with was a 31-year love affair and a booming business that has made the annual posters sold at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival valuable collectables.
''I was just flying by the seat of my pants,'' Brimberg, 56, said. ''I'm still doing that. I always get it together, but I always wonder how.''
Brimberg had just finished law school at Tulane University and, on a lark, took the class aimed at sparking entrepreneurial enthusiasm. Part of the class was to come up with a business that would work - at least in theory.
Somewhere along the line he hit on the idea of colourful, artistic, inexpensive posters.
The first year, Brimberg found an artist to do a takeoff on the grand marshal of a brass band.
''To build interest I decided to make it a limited edition,'' he said. ''We would make 1,000 of them and number them.''
A second edition of 300 posters had to be made after a drunk spilled beer over that many after Brimberg set up to sell them at an evening concert on a Mississippi riverboat.
The five-colour poster sold for $3.95.
''I got an A on the course and made $500,'' Brimberg said. ''That was a lot of money to me in those days.''
The second year, Brimberg produced 1,000 numbered posters - at $8 each - and 1,000 signed by the artist for $12 each. Brimberg said he cleared a ''couple of thousand.''
''That's when I first decided this could be a business,'' he said.
By the third year, the posters were selling for $15 unsigned and $35 signed.
''That time I made enough to feed me for a year,''' Brimberg said.
For a while, Brimberg's company did posters for other events - the Boston Marathon, the Albuquerque, New Mexico, balloon festival, and a Winter Olympics. But he felt he could be more successful concentrating on Jazz Fest.
This year's poster of rock & roll pioneer Fats Domino was $59 numbered, $235 signed by the artist, $595 signed by both the artist and Domino and $895 for a canvas edition. All sold out the first day of the Jazz Fest.
''I'm the Cecil B. DeMille of posters,'' Brimberg said. ''I make high, high quality posters. The colour doesn't fade, the detail is sharp. They are art works.''
Brimberg wouldn't detail Jazz Fest's cut of the proceeds, but until the festival added sponsors this year, poster sales were the second biggest money maker, right behind ticket sales.
The value of the posters rises sharply every year. That original 1975 poster that went for $3.95 is now worth $1,925 .
Brimberg doesn't have one of them.
''It was just inside the door in our old office,'' he said. ''Someone walked out with it one day.''

04 May 2006

2009-07-30T04:22:00.000-07:00

The First Generation
THE Evagoras and Kathleen Lanitis Foundation presents a major painting exhibition, ‘The Human Figure in Contemporary Art - The First Generation," at the Evagoras Lanitis Cultural Centre, Limassol from May 10 until June 11.
The exhibition, held in collaboration with the Cultural Service of the Ministry of Education is curated by Dr Antonis Danos.
It is made up of woks by artists born from the 19th century to 1930, who are considered to be the First Generation of contemporary art.
The exhibition consists of over 120 works from the State Collection of Contemporary Art, the Municipality Art Gallery, the Makarios Foundation and many private collections. The works on show are by Costas Averkiou, Andreas Asproftas, Stelios Votsis, Vassilis Vryonides, Adamantios Diamantis, Charilaos Dikaios, Victor Ioannides, Telemanthos Kanthos, Michael Kashalos, Joannis Kissonergis, Demetris Constantinou, Giorgos Mavroides, Loukia Nicolaidou, Costas Economou, Lefteris Economou, G. Pol Georgiou, Christophoros Savva, Andreas Savvides, Takis Frangoudes, Solomos Frangoulides and Andreas Chrysochos.
Mainly paintings, the exhibition also has some fine examples of sculpture and other media, and many of them will be on show for the first time, showing the general public some little-known aspects of the works of the artists.
The exhibition will be opened by Education and Culture Minister, Pefkios Georgiades, at 7.30pm on Wednesday, May 10 and will remain on show from 9am to 1pm and 5-9pm (except Mondays) at the Evagoras Lanitis Cultural Centre near the mediaeval Castle of Limassol.

A Whole Family at Kypriaki Gonia -
Tassos Stefanides 1917-1996
THIS exhibition opens on Friday, 12th May at 8.00pm and is a painting exhibition in memory of Tassos Stefanides.
It is an exhibition of work by Tassos, Kate and Panos Stefanides to mark the ten years since Tassos’s death.
With this exhibition, the gallery wants to honour this spiritual man who scaled with his work the heights of the arts of painting, theatre, poetry and literature.
The exhibition will be open from May 12 until May 30.
During the opening ceremony, Theoclis Kougialis will refer to the artist’s work in the field of literature, while Antonis Danos will refer to the visual part of his work.
Tassos Stefanides was born in Nicosia in 1917 and died in 1996.
He dealt with poetry, prose and the writing of revues during the Second World War II.
He published the poesy ‘Concerns,’ ‘Situations’ and ‘Poetic Afternoons’ and the novel ‘The Sons of Waters’ along with ‘A Selection of Short Stories. Apotheosis and Other Dilemmas.’
His short stories, poems, novels, searching studies and other intellectual works were published in literary magazines in Cyprus and in the domestic press. Part of his literature has been translated into English.
A lot of poetic and fiction work is still unpublished. He also dealt with criticism of plays, literature and art, as well as political articles, particularly in the years that followed the Turkish invasion in 1974.
From 1950 he dedicated a large part of his life to painting. His work was exhibited in personal and group exhibitions in Cyprus, Athens, Edinburgh, London, Germany, the former eastern block countries and in Paris.
His paintings were also exhibited in Alexandria and Cairo biennials. Many critics have dealt with his art and some of his paintings are in the State Art Gallery of Modern Cypriot Art and in state and private collection and institutions in Cyprus and abroad.

Constantinos Constantinides,
at Apocalypse Gallery
PABLO Antonio Rodriguez Vidal, the Ambassador of Cuba in Cyprus, opened the Constantinos Constantinides at Apocalypse Gallery.
In his speech, he said Constantinos’s "hard-working hands, enormous talent and inexhaustible creativity made possible our being here together today, enjoying one of the most difficult expressions of the plastic arts."
He added: "In these pieces of very high artistic, as well as technical, quality which we see today in this prestigious Gallery, Maestro Constantinos –and I take the liberty to call him so because of the calibre of his works – joins the traditional with the modern, the deepest roots of the history of Cyprus to the branches yet to be born, and raises the art to the universal in spreading out his roots to the world.
"Constantinos opens the windows to show us his soul, always loyal to the arts of his people."

Symposium Programme 2006
A SYMPOSIUM has been organised by Artalk Ltd, in which the speakers will be Alexander Garcia Duttmann, Claire Bishop, Nuria Eguita Mayo and Richard Wentworth.
In the programme for Friday, May 5, Alexander Garcia Duttmann will speak at 8pm. On Saturday, Richard Wentworh will be on at 10.00 am and Nuria Eguita Mayo at 11.30am.
After a lunch break, Claire Bishop will talk at 2.30pm.
At 4pm there is a roundabout discussion, with all four speakers, moderated by Maria Margaroni, Associate Professor at the University of Cyprus.
The venue is the Artos Foundation, at 64 Omolyites Avenue, Nicosia or ring 22 445455.

Pharos Trust
Richard Wentworth will exhibit at the Pharos Trust Centre for Contemporary Art at 254 Dem. Severis Avenue, Nicosia, from May 9 – July 31.
Wentworth was one of the artists chosen for Symposiart a few years ago in a series of British Artists organised through the British Council and the Power House.
He is very welcome back.
Dance in the Spotlight
THE Cultural Society of the Poles in Cyprus is organising an exhibition of artistic dance photographs by Christos Avraamides (Cyprus) and Stanislaw Ekier to be opened by Arianna Economou on Tuesday May 9 at 8pm at Castelliotissa. See elsewhere.
More and More
Andreas Andreou is at Technis Dromena gallery until May 10, with ‘Stones on a Bowl.’
Tefkros Angelides is at Opus 39 with ‘Autobiography.’
Stefano Paci is at Gallery Argo, until May 20.
Alpha Gallery has Alecos Fassianos until May 14.
George Demetriou will be at the Academic and General Bookshop, Hermes Street, Larnaca, from May 12.
The Charalambos Constantinou exhibition of painting drawing and caricature is on from May 5-7 at the Scali Cultural Centre, Aglandjia.
Glyn Hughes is at Gloria Gallery, ground floor, with ‘Post Wrexham’ and the first floor with ‘The Pedeios.’
And there is even more dear readers with a message from that excellent artist Paris Metaxas who is opening a gallery in Limassol.
It’s called Art Mmisshimou and opens on Tuesday, May 9 at 7.30pm, with an exhibition by the Palestinian artist Bushra Shamma, who lives in New York.
Paris says the gallery, near the Rialto, in Heroes Square, Limassol, is small - 6x6m - and he visualises it as a platform for young new talent and free expression of all kinds: poetry, dancing, videos and, of course, painting and sculpture. If they can put their minds to it, conceptual art, too.

27 April 2006

2009-07-30T04:21:00.002-07:00

Kaimakli revisited
With the galleries closed or finished at Easter there was just time to pop in to Julia Astreou Christoforou’s traditional weaving workshop in the square and to admire the art school opposite titled Spirit of the Bauhaus. More soon on these fine places.
Nearby at 58 Grivas Dhigeni Avenue, Kyriaki Costa had opened her place for a while with clothes summer 06 and Louisa Kaimaki was helping.
Despina Nazou writes on Kyriaki:
"Discovered her own utopian world and its values by creating and designing clothes and ideas which she thought needed to be interpreted within a very specific context, this context is female collectivity a girly band, a mood for playing and the pursuit of pure sentiment, a reminder of childhood, and the strength, magic and sensuality that are released from all this.
So her friends and acquaintances took upon themselves, with much courage and humour, against the traditional and restrictive rules of fashion photography we usually encounter in fashion magazines.
Eccentric
The women , like a mischievous, eccentric troupe, walk around the town and mingle with its imagery, and daily life. In their passage through the streets and the heart of the city, they generate their own unorthodox, urban images, they playfully become entangles in the smaller or larger rituals of their neighbourhood. Then they want to touch the sky."
Kyraiki Costa was born in 1971 in Nicosia she first studied at the Acropolis Gymnasium and Lyceum, Nicosia. In 1989 she took the Foundation Course in Arts at the Frederik Polytechnic, Nicosia and in 1960 studied at Loughborough College of Arts , UK
In 1992 Kyriaki studied at the School of Byzantine Arts in Athens where she specialised in contemporary art, utilising Byzantine art techniques, installations, video art, art and clothing.
Amongst her special projects have been:
2005: " Mini Art" project of international association of Art (IAA –Europe IAA/AIAP UNESCO)
2005: costume design at the Venice Biennale. Designed the clothes of the Ministry of Education Representatives.’
2005: designed the cover of a CD wth Greek children’s songs under the title "O Tempelis Drakos" (Universal Music)
2005: a lecture at the Agean University, Greece, Department of Anthropology "Body and Landscape" Costumes for the dance performance "Deeper than Skin Deep" – Echo Arts which performed at Florence and Limassol.
Costumes for the dance performance ‘New Choreographic Work’ and a selection of costumes used for TV and theatre productions in Athens
Kyriaki has given art lessons at the Stelios Ioannou Foundation for mentally disabled adults, participated in "Art Link to Life" a group exhibition organised by the Bank of Cyprus for people suffering with cancer. Kyriaki has also taken workshops at Cyprus University and delivered Byzantine icon lessons to government workshops. She has also made many videos.
Her personal exhibition in 2003 was at Occhi Art Space, Athens.
Her many group exhibitions include: Leaps of Faith, Unclaimed Lugagge for Artrageous Group.
Louiza
Louiza Kaimaki was born in Cyprus in 1976 she received her BA in Illustration with Animation from Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. She is now exhibiting her work and she is also working as a freelance illustrator in Cyprus
In March 2006 she illustrated the book "15&1 myths and stories with animals of Cyprus" written by Tassos Aristotelous and published by the publishing house, Kiproepia, Limassol, Cyprus.
Prize
In January 2005 the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Culture and Education awarded her with the Illustration State Prize for illustrating the book ‘ A New Coat For Ben", written and published by Toby Macklin and Rachel Davey in October 2003.
In October 2002 she participated in the Annual Illustration Competition organised by the Bank of Cyprus Cultural foundation and was awarded the 1st Prize for illustrating the award-winning book "Aria Changes worlds", a fairy tale by Anna Kouppanou. the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation published the book in March 2003.
She represented Cyprus at the "BIB 2003" (19th Biennial of Illustration Bratislava), with four of the original drawings of her Illustration of "Aria Changes Worlds" and also BIB 2005 (20th Biennial of illustration Bratislava), with four of the original drawings of her illustration of " A New Coat for Ben".
In 2003 she also participated in the" 42nd Golden Pen of Belgrade" (7th International Biennial of Illustration 2003) in Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, representing Cyprus with four reproductions of the original paintings of her illustration of ‘Aria Changes Worlds" and the illustrated book itself"
Early in 2003 she illustrated the children’s book " A New Coat For Ben" written by Toby Macklin and Rachel Davey and published by Co-create Ltd in Cyprus in three languages - English, Greek and Turkish.
The Mayor of Nicosia, Mr Michalis Zampelas held the promotion of the book. In April 2004 the book was exhibited at the Bologna Fair and Book Festival, in representing Cyprus.
Louiza illustrated her first book for children in September 2002: a fairy tale and a song written by Athos Hajimatheos and published by Costas Epiphaniou Publications in Nicosia.
In parallel with the rest of her activities she also took part in educational seminars - Workshops organised by the Cyprus Children’s Book Association with the participation of the Greek illustrator and author Vaso Psaraki.
She won her first special prize (Age- Group Prize) at the age of eleven in March 1989 at the 81st Conference of the Inter-Parliamentary union, Budapest, Hungary. The International Children’s Art Contest and Exhibition, Through Children’s eyes.
Since her return to Cyprus in 1999, after completing her studies, she has worked at Nicolas Panayi Studio as an art teacher, tutoring young students for university studies and for GCE Ordinary Level examinations, until recently.
In parallel, she taught life drawing classes for a period of two years. The artist was interviewed at Art Aware and is in its excellent book.
**********************************
Still on and newish
Illustrations at Academic Bookshop, Larnaca.
Constantinos Constantinides at Apocalypse Gallery, Nicosia.
Tefkros Angelides "Autobiography 2" at Opus 39 Gallery, Nicosia.
David Lester at Kyklos Gallery, Paphos, closing Saturday 29th April.
Hughes at Gloria’s with "Post Wrexham" exhibition of new paintings including "Celtic Kalikandjari Contemplate Rising Bauhausian Structure".
Stefano Paci at Gallery Argo, opening on May 4.
Charalambous Constantinou at Scali Cultural Centre, Aglandjia from 5th to 7th.
Andros Andreou at Dromena with "Stones in a Bowl" until 10th May.
Photo Captions …
colour
1:
2:
3:
Black and white
4: Kyriaki’s design for printing on a T Shirt
5: Kaimakli Square now
6; Kaimakli Square in 1930

20 April 2006

2009-07-30T04:21:00.001-07:00

Petros Petrou at Skali
PETROS Petrou invites you to visit his 9th solo exhibition of oil paintings, drawings and caricatures, which takes place at the Skali Cultural Centre in Aglandjia, Nicosia on of May 5, 6 and 7, 2006.
The exhibition will be opened by the Director of Technical Education and Culture, Charalambous Constantinou, on Friday, May 5, at 7.30pm, and everybody is welcome.
It has been written that Petrou is one of the leading naturalistic painters of Cyprus. He draws his themes from nature in Cypriot, the Greek islands and European scenery.
His palette is light and modern but his composition is based on classic modes.
He uses broken but tight brushwork and manages to capture the crisp, fresh air of the Cyprus countryside, the sunny blue atmosphere of the Aegean islands and the grand, misty scenery of Europe.
His views are panoramic and grand or serene and calm.
His colour scheme is delightful and happy and the composition strong and balanced.
He catches the light on the clouds, the reflection of the boats on the water and the sunlight on the churches with mastery and charm.
The exhibition also includes some drawings with ink and colour done quickly with a thin line and the colours are laid almost like transparent washes.
The subjects range from small fruit arrangements to extensive landscape views.
Visiting hours for Saturday, May 6 and Monday, May 7 are 10am - 1pm and 4pm-8pm.
To get to Skali (where Sir Anthony Caro once exhibited) you turn left off Limassol Road (heading out of Nicosia) after the Melkonian, follow Kyrenia Avenue, Aglandja, cross a few traffic lights, find the Skali sign and you turn left.
Rubber Duck
at My Shop
MY Shop (I suppose I mean theirs) is at 51 Ledra Street - beside Finikas restaurant and in the next street to Spike, at 18a Onasagorou, where all those shoes are on brilliant display.
The intriguing blurb reporting that there are more important things in life than art may be true but the two artists in this event - Sophia Kakoulli and Soulla Messiou - have a good track record for serious stuff, so its just possible that the move into humour may be an aesthetically-inclined breakthrough in design.
Snippets from the news release include: Having a bath will never be the same again. A new concept for Cyprus surely.
The two women, who studied fine art in London, are taking affordable design into the art world though Kate Moss has refused to model for Rubber Duck; even as a lampshade.
The two artists can adapt works to fit existing decor at home so they can’t be frocks anyway.
And, the blurb says Rubber Duck will undertake commissions for artwork and/or interior design for private homes, offices and hotels.
Klitsa in Helsinki
KLITSA Antoniou is presenting her latest work at the Stoa Cultural Centre in Helsinki from this week.
It consists of multi-media installations as well as photographs and sculpture works.
They deal with issues of displacement, hybridism, transience, mutation, Utopia and dystopia.
Autobiography 2, Tefkros
Angelides at Opus 39
THE Mayor of Nicosia, Michael zampelas, will inaugurate the exhibition of the latest work of Tefkros Angelides on Tuesday, May 2 at 7.30pm.
This is Tefkros’s fifth one-man show and consists of seven unities of collages under the general title
‘Autobiography 2,’ formed by personal experiences, feelings and speculations.
‘Escapes.’ describes small personal everyday family moments,
‘Verses,’ is an offering to his mother and the close communication they have had all through these years
‘1974,’ is the experience of war and pain.
‘Jetties,’ are a sweet dedication to the memory of his father.
‘Theft- Repatriation,’ are pieces dedicated to the late Constantinos Leventis for his great contribution to Hellenism.
‘Universe,’ describes an appreciation of man to the unknown.
Thoughts,’ presents deeper thinking and social criticism.
Eleni Nikita, Director of the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture, wrote some time ago about his work:
"Although he comes from a different area of creativity, that of architecture, he has succeeded to master colour, form and material, giving artistic solutions with very good results, as surely architecture is related to art."
Tefkros describes his work as "conjectural architecture:
"This exhibition consists of collages, with a multi-layered cubistic inclination, diminishing the use of paint and brush in favour of a very rich abundance of materials, like wood veneers, glass and glass mosaic, hand-made papers from Nepal, metal seashells and much more.
"The pieces acquire their own autonomy and they are conversed in symbols, rather than being a representation of reality.
"The shapes of the different materials re-emerge and reconstruct creating the illusion of depth although they have a frontal, two dimensional character.
"Simultaneously, because of the above reasons the pieces form small architectural exercises, keeping at the same time his synthetic abilities in vigilance and ready to be put into effect larger scale projects like buildings or interior spaces, that he is commissioned to execute as an architect.
"The paintings are done with the collage method, influenced and dedicated as to their technique, to Picasso and Braque, founders of the synthetic cubism and collage as for their synthesis, to the founders of the pioneer Dutch group De Stijl, painters Mondrian and Van Doesburg and architects G Rietveld and P.Oud.
"All of the above, driven by the new theories and discoveries on the beginning of the 20th century, dared and experimented a new approach in painting and in architecture that was based on the ‘abtraction’ and the ‘dynamic balance’ between opposite volumes, shapes, colours and materials."
Tefkros believes that, we, today in the beginning of the 21st century, live in a new era with repeated technological discoveries and for this reason he would like to express this liquidity of the procedure of understanding, by searching through his work to achieve his own ‘dynamic balance’ with himself, people, architecture, God and the universe.
Doros Heracleous at Kypriaki Gonia
THIS highly-imaginative and inventive artist exhibits at Kypriaki Gonia until the 30th of the month.
Titos Kolotas has written:
"Doros is a completely non-conventional artist. A figurative artist who exceeds limits and rules because he is an artist who seeks and experiments continuously with materials.
"These materials could be noble metals, like aliminium, or old objects bearing the weight of time and hence give capabilities of aesthetic utilisation.
"The dynamic relation of the artist and his material is precisely what gives to his work and to each separate piece of work a particular interest from the side of theoretical reflection for nature and the ontology of the work of art."
Demetriou show
GEORGIE Demetriou exhibits at Academic and General Bookshop, Larnaca, from May 12- until June 5.
The bookshop is at 41 Hermes Street and the exhibit is in the Readers Lounge.
Post-Wrexham
at Gloria Gallery
FOUR months ago Glyn Hughes had a retrospective at Canolfan Gelf Wrecsam, which is now on tour in Wales.
It was opened by Kate Clerides and curated by Tracy Simpson.
Since his return to Cyprus, he has created some new paintings and they will be shown at Gloria’s from Thursday, April 27.
Last chances
CAROL Syrimis at Amorgas Gallery until tomorrow.
Antonis N Economou exhibits at Journalist’ house – Union of Cyprus Journalists until April 21, tonight. Miriam McConnon has opened the David Lester exhibition at Kyklos Art Gallery Paphos, which will continue until Saturday, April 29.
This exhibition will include oils, watercolours and mixed media work .
A unique exhibition displays a varied collection of paintings.
Lester’s paintings include semi-representational and abstract works which reflect ideas, situations and experiences. The paintings show his interest in colour, composition and different perspectives.
Eggery is art
BELVIDERE (AP)
Decorated eggs are not just for Easter.
That was the message Donna Thomas and Julia Smith got across as they set out their "eggery" one early spring morning. They were preparing not for the holiday, but for the 13th annual Rockford Egg Show and Sale last month, which featured the works of eggshell artists from eight states, including California and Oklahoma. This year's show was held at the Midway Village Museum in Rockford, Illinois.
"We always hold it on the third weekend of March, which is close to Easter, but this is a year-round passion for us, as well as a business," Smith said.
There were painted eggshells, carved eggshells, engraved eggshells and decoupaged eggshells decked out with rhinestones and fitted with doors that swing open and shut on gold-plated hinges. Some of the eggs took months to make and can fetch prices upward of $750.
Most were far too ornate and delicate to entrust to a hopping rabbit or an egg-hunting 7-year-old, and many were so large that they would have given the poor bunny a hernia, anyway. The ostrich, emu and rhea eggs, in particular, suggest larger, more ponderous beasts.
Maybe there's an Easter Mastodon who galumphs across the nighttime fields of the Midwest each spring.
Thomas, 51, a commercial artist who has been painting nature scenes in acrylic on eggshells for four years, does not feature mastodons on her eggs, but some of her more recent creations show wooly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and other Pleistocene fauna.
"I got interested in Ice Age Illinois when I did a mural for the farm where my father-in-law discovered mammoth remains," she explained. "So now I put prehistoric animals on some of my eggs." The biggest eggs Thomas paints, from ostriches and emus, can hold a whole landscape. The goose and turkey eggs might feature only a single deer or leopard. And the smallest, from finches, will have only a portrait of one of the tiny birds themselves.
The finch eggs are smaller than pinto beans, and Thomas has to use special brushes with only one or two bristles to paint them. Because of their fragility, she displays and sells them only under protective glass domes.
"I broke one once by touching it with a piece of tissue paper," she said.
"But you can take one of the ostrich or emu eggs and drop it on the floor safely - as long as you've got carpeting," said her husband, Steve, 56, a construction contractor and woodworker who has recently taken to painting cartoon characters on chicken eggshells.
Smith, who is in her 60s, hates to paint, but she will do almost anything else imaginable with an eggshell. She prefers rhea eggs because their shells are white and do not require pre-painting like the dark-shelled emu eggs do.
A lot of Smith's eggs are painstakingly carved.

30 March 2006

2009-07-30T04:20:00.001-07:00

NICOSIA ART FESTIVAL 2006
The Lefkothea Rotaract Club Nicosia is organising the Nicosia Art Festival 2006 from May 29 to June 6.
Its main purpose is to promote the arts in Cyprus and at the same time to contribute to society by distributing the proceeds to charity organisations such as the Cyprus Red Cross and Doctors of the World.
The exhibition, which will take place at Castelliotisssa Hall (Paphos Gate), will be held under the aegis of the First Lady, Fotini Papadopopoulou, who will perform the opening ceremony.
The artists are free to set the price for their work and 40% of the net proceeds will be donated to the organisations. The event is also sponsored by the cultural services of the Ministry of Education, CyBC (media coverage) and other organisations and companies.
All exhibits will be published at a web page and will also be included in a CD-ROM with the artists’ resumes.
The CD will be distributed to various artistic and other organisations around the world.
The Lefkothea Rotaract Club invites professional artists, photographers and designers to complete the participation request form by March 31, 2006.
Artists can participate with more than one item depending on the availability of space.
The paintings, photographs and graphic artefacts should be submitted framed and ready to be exhibited.
For more information please contact Maria Ylannoura on 99 515790, or Haris Jacovidou on 99 653146, 22 844000.
DAPHNE AT MORPHI
Daphne Mavrovouniotis-Trimiklinotis’s latest work, entitled Of Sales and Reductions, will be opened at Morphi Gallery, Limassol, on Tuesday, April 4, by the Minister of the Interior, Andreas Christou, at 8 pm, and will continue until April 14.
TATIANA FERAHIAN, AT OPUS 39
Garo Keheyan, President of the Pharos Trust, will open the Tatiana Ferahian exhibition on Monday, April 3, at 8pm.
The exhibition will then continue until April 17.
Last October the artist participated in the 2nd Biennale at Beijing.
This exhibition is titled Playing the Field.
The subject matter of her art works evolve from the interesting and often conflicting visual panoramas from her immediate surroundings.
Tatiana Ferahian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and completed her studies in graphic design at Frederick Institute of Technology here in Cyprus in 1991 and of fine arts with the Empire State College (SUNY), later working under the artist Helene Black for a five-year period.
She was admitted as a candidate for the degree of Master of Liberal Studies at the University of Denver.
THE OTHER DIMENSION AT ARTOS
To celebrate international poetry day on March 21, crowds of poets and poetry lovers will ARTos Foundation in Nicosia.
The programme was divided into three sections: Presentiment; Dreams, The Divine.
The evening’s direction was by Nicos Charalambous with art direction by Akis Ioannides.
The organising committee was Nora Hadjisotiriou and Lily Michaelides.
Music introduced each section, based on the ancient poems of Homer. It was composed and conducted by Akis Ioannides.
The singer Margarita Illia, who is originally from Limassol, and who trained in Hungary and London, where she is currently living, was perfect for such an evening.
Angelos Angelides played the clarinet and Gareth Griffiths the trumpet.
25 poets took part and the readings were in Greek, Turkish and English.
Video art was used, including work by Achilleous Kentonis and Maria Papacharalambous using the theme Paradise.
FUTURE EXHIBITIONS
Miriam McConna will open the David Lester exhibition at Kyklos Art Gallery, Paphos, on Friday, April 14 at 7.30pm, which will continue until Saturday, April 29.
This exhibition will include oils, watercolours and mixed media work. David Lester’s paintings are semi-representational and abstract works, which reflect ideas, situations and experiences. They show his interest in rich colour glazes, rhythmic composition and unusual perspective.
While many of his works have been based on the landscape, he is now moving again towards abstraction.
David is also one of the principle organisers of “Open Studios”, coming to Paphos in September. This promises to be an enormously popular event and is based on the well-established scheme in which he participated in Cambridge, England.
SIMPLY CYPRUS
Print Art Consultancy, in association with Curium Gallery, Limassol, are holding their 3rd Simply Cyprus Exhibition at En Plo, in Paphos Harbour, from Sunday April 9 until Wednesday April 19.
Open daily from 10am till 7pm, this annual exhibition has become very popular with established artists, as well as up and coming artists who otherwise would not have an outlet in Cyprus. The theme of “Simply Cyprus” encourages the artist to look at the diverse and beautiful surroundings to be found all over the island.
This year there will be more than 25 artists exhibiting and the exciting diversity of both subject matter and style should appeal to most tastes.
Two of the exhibitors are Mandy Bunn, from Paphos, a professionally-trained artist, who specialises in pet portraits, and Teresa Moran, who enjoys depicting the local scenery.
For further information call either Print Art Consultancy on 25580726 or Curium Gallery on 2534501.
DECONSTRUCTION
Giota Ioannidou has been at Apocalypse Gallery.
Very strong and powerful work. Emotional figurations that loom out across Apocalypse’s vast spaces.
An outstanding exhibition, curiously related to our condition as seen from TV, and newspapers, the agony of current goings on.
All delivered in superb paintwork and emotional ‘over the edge’ balance in aesthetics. This was at Apocalypse Gallery until March 29.
The new show at Apocalypse will be paintings by Zacharias Koumblis which opens tonight, continuing until April 18.
WORLD WATER DAY
An Island-wide contest organised by the Water Board to mark World Water Day produced a total of 106 paintings and posters submitted by pupils of 16 secondary schools.
The art work was put on display at the Famagusta Gate Cultural Centre, Nicosia, on Wednesday and continues until tonight.
Thirst prize of £500 was shared by Panayiota Nicolaou, of the Archbishop Kyprinaos Lyceum, and Theodoulos Polyviou, of the GC School of Careers.
The second prize went to Christos Drakos, of teh GC School of Careers, and Kyryali Papadopoulou, of the Kyklos “B” Gymnasium, while the third prize was also shared. It went to Christina Parize, of Terra Santo College and Pantelis Nicolaou, of the Makarios Lyceum, Dassoupolis.
Outstanding poster work was submitted by Tara Tate and Tatiana der Parthogh, both of the Falcon School, Nicosia.
The two teenagers had obviously captured the poster idea to near perfection in simple, strong design and carefully effective colours.
Tara won a scholarship to Cyprus College, while Tatiana was among those designed Best in School. She also won a cash prize of £100.
Special mention should be made of the poster Water-Life, by Giorgos Christodoulou, of the Philips Commercial School, who was also designated “Best in School”.
In general, there was quite a large number of good poster work, but some of the students had either not been told specifically what posters should be or did not quite grasp the idea. Pity, as there were some very good paintings.
Now that they have seen the exhibition and all the excitement is over, they will surely produce better and more effective paper work when the occasion arises.
A few decades ago, Cypriot school art was famous for getting international prizes. It seems that standard has returned.
Could it be that nowadays, instead of villages, vraka, donkeys and traditional festivities, our youngsters have ventured into the new with paintings of concern?
MAKING A STATEMENT
Michalis Manoussakis, at CK Art Gallery has chunks cut out of wooden board creating visual spaces, and these cuts are real, creating another reality.
So, in a way, for a while, you don’t know where you are.
Yet, every picture registers as a statement, whether on human relationships or an aesthetic point of view. Sublime painting too with newer colours than are normally seen in the town’s galleries.

retyped by nix-paris 20070717

23 March 2006

2009-07-30T04:12:00.000-07:00

MISERLIZADE CENTRE
You could say that the Cypriot Greek artists who ventured to Sarayonu Square for Manifesta’s discussion and screening last week were the ones who are our best (on this side).
No’babe trends’, no pensioned off oldies, either.
Those present, who maybe bill themselves as conceptualists, were our most thoughtful ones, able to respond to something other than their own.
The crown gathered for Anton Vidokle’s (co-curator of Manifesta 6, the European Biennial of Contemporary Art) presentation, mingling in a beautiful space with subdued lighting – lovely wine by KEO, too.
Strangely enough, it all reminded me of a time in Cyprus Contemporary Art, a time when Buckminster Fuller lectured at the American Library and his use of the word SYNERGY inspired those youngsters of the early seventies (pre-1974) to get cracking on a series of exhibitions and happenings at the Attalides house opposite the PIO.
Those were the days.
KISMET
Giorgios Erotocritos’s new show was covered elsewhere in The Cyprus Weekly last week.
However, here’s a nice piece from his handout:
Kismet: An exhibition of heavenly paintings by Erotocritos.
“It had been written not so long ago that a little boy would grow up to be an artist. He visited the clouds, sharing the thoughts with the Archangels.
“The blue depths sharing heavenly nectar with the Mermaids.
“So they expressed a wish to adorn the artist’s canvas.
“It was all written!
“It was fated to come to pass!
“It was destiny that no-one had reason to change!
“It was his Kismet!
“Thus it was written that there would be an exhibit of the artist’s efforts.
“And so you see, it was Kismet that KISMET would take place.”
CODE CHANGE
Maria Trillidou had a show a Diatopos.
Here is a quiet exhibition with most unusual imagery. The artist’s technique too has a most interesting approach.
With titles such as Chimeras, Medusa and Self Born, ideas extend quite brilliantly.
Those delicate, fertile, extremely well-drawn from imagination and reality, one presumes, pieces are both extremely beautiful and intriguing.
Sensitive, woundrous and covetable.
INGER GULLERS
Inger Gullers is back in Larnaca again.
Staying at Athene Beach Apartments on the seafront at Larnaca.
You can see her works there from March 25-26, 12 pm-5pm.
Lovely Cyprus scenes from a Swedish artist who regularly comes to Cyprus.
FOLLOWING GLENDA
Although the Nicosia Municipal Theatre reopens on the 29th of the month one supposes that all of our actors putting themselves in as candidates for May’s parliamentary elections will learn from Glenda Jackson and gracefully retire from the stage (and screen) if elected.
What about the artists? The painters? The sculptors? The conceptualists?
REMINDERS
The exhibition of paintings by eight artists dedicated to women closes today at Amorgos Gallery, Aglandjia.
Christie’s of London tell the Arts Page that they are selling fine icons and artefacts from the Orthodox world, from the 6th to the 20th century and also rare and monumental Greek and Russian icons, small devotional panels and ecclesiastical embroideries?
Auctions 25th April; portrait miniatures, objects of vertu, and icons.
Enquiries Maria C. Paphiti 85 Old Brompton Raid, London SW7 3LD.
Alpha – the art and antique centre-Gallery, Nicosia has a large mixed exhibition of modern Greek art on at the moment.
Gallery Argo has a post-snail exhibition from this week.
This will be of ceramics by Christina Constantinou Giusti – continuing until April 8.
RHEA BAILEY AT TECHNIS DROMENA
The new images are light and bright, a summing up and transcending of 40 years of artistic expression. Hidden meanings in every brushstroke. A deep, deep visual experience.
Calmness exudes from Technis Dromena.