FEMININITY FROM ARCHAIC TO CONTEMPORARY
EUROPE ART GALLERY, BRASOV ROMANIA
My artwork uses figures as a means to explore identity and how the interaction of the mind and body forges personal identity. Our age, more than any other historical period, allows us the freedom to transcend boundaries, explore and self-define our individuality beyond and above social norms or any other eteronomy.
The figurative components of my artwork are aesthetically influenced by ancient Greek sculpture and vase painting, whose philosophy is rooted in the ideals of perfection. Perfection, in ancient Greece, involved the ideal balance of mind and body, which were regarded as divinely gifted to mortals. The ancient Greek word used to describe such perfection was καλÏŒν, the ideal essence of physical and moral beauty.
My artwork “Kalon” aims to challenge this archetypal ideal of perfection by paring it with the imperfections of our flesh, which hold experiences, scars, age, etc. The female figure rendered partially as a sculpture and partially as a portrait holds what we as human being strive to be with what we are in reality. These realistic imperfections should be embraced, admired, and loved.
Chrysanthe Maggidis, "ΚαλÏŒν," 1.79 x 65, Pastels and Streetchalk, 2019
“Femininity from Archaic to Contemporary” Europe Art Gallery, Brasov, Romania
(March 8th – 21st, 2023)