Efrossini Chaniotis’ new exhibition of figurative 3D works, The Painted Sculpture, is set to be on display at the Ladder Art Space in Melbourne from Wednesday, June 15 to Saturday, July 2.
The Greek Australian artist has always painted on her sculptures like the ancient Greeks. Having studied sculpture in Australia and painting in Greece, Efrossini’s practice naturally combined both.
Her vibrant colour palette is reflective of growing up ‘Down Under’ and her propensity for storytelling, myth and exploration of Mediterranean themes, the indelible imprint of a rich cultural heritage.
Efrossini says her new sculptures “represent the meeting of Hellenism and Australianism. They are indicative of my journey through a landscape of migration, cross-cultural education, and artistic identity.”
“In Australia I was taught lateral-thinking, to develop concepts for my art and to experiment; to be free from the authority that tradition bares. In Greece I was taught discipline and to embrace art history and to seek beauty, which inspired me to believe in the power of art,” she adds.
Showcasing three themes currently in Efrossini’s work: The Wishing Tree, The Fisherman and Mermaid’s Tale and the Cycladic Art inspired: The Little Mykonos Project that explore the capacity for art to generate and tell spirited stories.
All three aspire to evoke emotion and wonder to an adult audience and all three merge the colour and composition elements inherent in the painting medium with the figurative, sculptural form.
Efrossini’s work draws from her childhood experiences of storytelling, modern art and her Hellenic background. Her artistic execution and themes are in her own admission, person centred, perhaps romantic and idealised.
As a Greek-Australian and as a sculptor and painter, her work deals with bringing opposites together and,
compelled to and delights in, discovering ways of creating harmony within things; a purpose ingrained as a
child of immigrant parents.
Exhibition details:
- Location: Ladder Art Space, 81 Denmark St. Kew, Melbourne.
- Dates: Runs from Wednesday, June 15 to Saturday, July 2.
- Opening celebration: Thursday, June 16 at 6.30pm.
- Gallery Hours: Tuesday – Friday 12-6 pm, Saturday 11 am – 6 pm, Friday and Saturday evenings by appointment.
