Major exhibitions inspired by the home, urban landscape and dance
After closing for the Christmas and New Year holidays, galleries around the island have burst back to life with a wide selection of exhibitions offering something for almost everyone.
As the arts scene in the capital slowly gets back on track after the Christmas buzz, there will be plenty of solo and group shows opening up around the city in the coming weeks. One young talent that deserves special attention is Giorgos Pitsilides, exhibiting his work this week at Gloria Gallery.
Specialising in handmade designs, Pitsilides has recently made a name for himself in London for his intricate and original items. Having studied art and design at Guildhall University and allied crafts at London Metropolitan University, he went on to do a MA in design and visual culture under the guidance of the well known Simone ten Hompel.
Determined to make the most of his talent, Pitsilides has won gold medals for his designs from the Goldsmiths Company and the British Jewellers Association. His aim as an artist is to create modern items for the home that perform a useful function but also double up as works of art. Pop down to the gallery and you can enjoy some of his award-winning designs in steel, silver, wood, and bronze, all inspired by nature and geometric patterns.
Bringing a touch of magic to canvas, Larnaca also has much to offer as Nicos Papaloukas now exhibits his paintings at Kypriaki Gonia, a venue that has made a name for itself as it provides a great space where local and foreign artists often come together to promote their work.
Papaloukas is now holding his fourth solo exhibition, after having finished his studies a few years ago at the Aristotle University of Fine Arts in Greece. Pop into the gallery and you’ll come face to face with a world of mystery. The protagonists in his imaginary world are stark and sparing human forms, each of them freed from vanity and fear, enjoying idealised expressions of human existence such as love, friendship, and the feeling of tenderness between two people.
“Through the creation of forms, art surmises that which logic cannot grasp,” says Papaloukas. “It surmises a truth that exists beyond objects, or a truth that exists within objects and defines them.” In most cases, his work transforms the reality of hectic and impersonal cities into aesthetically perfect ones, where birds return, trees grow and everyone lives together harmoniously.
Moving away from the idea of art within the four walls of a typical gallery, there’s even more to appeal to the senses in Limassol this month. For a mix of art and fabulous food Dino’s art caf? should be at the top of your list. Tucked away in the downtown area, it functions as an art caf? and fine dining restaurant offering a great selection of food. Almost every month, new work adorns the walls, with local and foreign artists displaying their art.
Tomorrow evening, an exhibition by Nikos Panti will be opening up as the artist arrives from Thessaloniki to show local crowds his talent. Inspired by movement in dance, the way the artist works before he creates his final piece is an interesting one. Taking his camera along to various dance shows and performances that inspire him, Panti uses snaps and transforms them into unique pieces. As he manipulates each picture through digital means, he mounts the final image onto a canvas, resulting in a brilliant final work, full of colour and life.
Giorgos Pitsilides
Solo exhibition of intricate contemporary items for the home. Opens January 15, until January 30. Gloria Gallery, 3 Zizonos Sozou St, Nicosia. Tel: 22 762605
Nicos Papaloukas
Solo exhibition of paintings. Until January 29. Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, 45 Stadiou St, Larnaca. Tel: 24 621109. www.gallerykypriakigonia.com.cy
Chorou-grafies
Solo photography exhibition by Nikos Panti. Opens January 14, 7pm, until February 24. Dino Art Caf?, 62-66 Irinis St, Limassol. Caf? open Monday-Saturday from 10am-12am. Sundays from 4pm-12am. Tel: 25 762030
