“In between” by Giannis Valirakis
Title: “In between”
Opening Day: Thursday, 18 October 2018, 19.00
Place: ‘Ikastikos Kiklos Sianti’ Gallery (2, Vass. Alexandrou Av., behind the National Gallery)
Duration: 18 October 2018 – 10 November 2018.
Curator: Vassiliki Sianti
On Thursday, 18 October at 19.00, the Ikastikos Kiklos Sianti Gallery will have the honor of presenting an exhibition by Giannis Valirakis on the artist’s favorite theme: portraits. The painter’s personal exhibition under the title “In between” consists of a series of newly presented works (acrylic paint on canvas).
Each work exhibits the artist’s unique ability to retain a balance between detailed observation and the element of spontaneity. Through his abstract, yet revealing deconstruction of the form, his paintings are pulsating with emotion, color and vividness, always approaching the theme with directness, clarity and a sense of laxity.
This new project explores the relationship between color and form, blurring any presupposed story or meaning, thus offering to the viewer the freedom to create his/her own narrative which lingers between fantasy and reality. It is a narrative deeply affected by the power and honesty of a naked body and its emotionally revealing pose and expression which gives birth to a flowing impression, untouched by academic conventions. A narrative which – almost like music – is in itself a direct form of human expression. Exhibiting an unpretentious and laconic gentleness, G. Valirakis ponders through his paintings upon ideas such as parting, loneliness and companionship, the need for separation and togetherness. His works introduce us to individuals dwelling in their private world while we, the viewers, are watching them through a keyhole, violating that privacy. As G. Valirakis himself has stated just a few days before his exhibition, it is as two-way game: “The figures in my paintings seem to be amused at challenging the viewers regarding their gender identity. There is color, movement, light and in between there is a body without gender: the Human body…”
