In the world of art, where every brushstroke tells a story, the unique and enigmatic works of Sofia Fotiadou have been making waves. Represented by Eclectic Gallery, Sofia's artistic journey is a fascinating blend of inspiration, tradition, and innovation. In this interview, we delve into her creative world, exploring the origins of her artistic passion, the distinct style that sets her apart, and the narratives she seeks to convey through her captivating works. See our interview with her:
To start off, could you share with us how your journey as an artist began? What sparked your initial interest in pursuing art?
"I was born and raised in the countryside, where nature became my first source of inspiration for painting. The structure and beauty of flowers, birds, and butterflies constantly challenged me to capture their essence to perfection. Much later, I began incorporating the human figure into my artwork, creating mystical or ethereal representations, predominantly of female figures surrounded by nature. My frequent visits to museums worldwide and the meticulous observation of portraits by great masters kindled my interest in the 'Out of the Box' series. I sought to paint these portraits in my own style, bringing them into the present day."
Many artists have a distinct style that sets them apart. How would you describe your artistic style, particularly the way you distort faces in your portraits, and what themes or subjects do you often explore within this style?
"‘Out of the Box’ is a series of paintings, unique in style, that I started creating in 2020 and I consider an ongoing project. Many of them were inspired by my study of commissioned portraits painted in European royal courts during the Rococo period by artists such as Jean-Martial Frédou, François Hubert Drouais, and Ernst Joseph Thelott. To date, it's the only series in which I've attempted to merge such diverse styles as Rococo and Surrealism, presenting an unexpected twist for the viewer. The figures are depicted in their entirety, adorned in lavish garments that showcase the opulence of the aristocracy. However, in place of where the head would traditionally be, there's a meticulously painted human eye."
Are there specific emotions or narratives you aim to convey through your artwork? How do you translate these emotions onto the canvas, especially when distorting the faces of your models?
"What intrigued me was the desire to craft a new narrative based on classic art. The intricate clothing symbolizes the restrictive norms dictated by both fashion and culture—norms that often conceal the personalities of those who adorn them. By distorting the faces, I endeavored to unveil the intricate inner realms of humans. Through the process of deconstructing and reconstructing these inner 'landscapes,' I externalize feelings and moods, power and vulnerability, while simultaneously forging a connection between humans and elements of nature."
Your use of distortion, particularly in the depiction of eyes, is quite unique. Could you shed light on how these artistic elements contribute to the stories you want viewers to create when they observe your work?
"With a closer look at my paintings, the viewer will notice a finely depicted, large human eye that replaces the head. This eye is intriguingly connected to the rest of the body through the optic nerve, while the cornea is immersed in a luminescent liquid, observing all but also being observed. Through this surrealistic approach, my eyes break free from the confined boundaries of a mere gaze, reaching towards the visionary expanse of a new reality filled with endless possibilities. They encapsulate how we perceive our reality and represent our experiences."
Creating art often involves specific techniques and tools. Can you describe some of the tools, materials, or methods you use to create your distinctive style?
"As an artist, I love creating strong dynamics in my paintings. Working with oil paint on canvas, I start with thin layers of color and gradually add more and more layers to achieve a refined realistic texture on my final result. This technique provides a balanced combination between my artistic spontaneity and rigorous aesthetics."
Moments of recognition and accolades can propel an artist’s journey. Can you reflect on a time when an award or recognition opened doors for your career, particularly considering your unique style?
"Since my inaugural exhibition in 2009, numerous distinguished galleries in Greece and internationally have represented and showcased my work. Indicatively, my work has been presented in Dubai, London, Monte-Carlo, Paris, Trento-Italy, and Barcelona. Such multicultural representation signifies the presence of a recognizable, distinctive personal style capable of reaching a broader group of art lovers. A notable cooperation with galleries was with the Artion Gallery. Currently, my paintings are represented in Greece by Sianti Gallery, with a 40-year presence in the field of the visual arts. Other important art events that marked my work on an international level were the 8th Beijing International Art Biennale, visited by more than one million people, and the 2017 Art Basel Spectrum in Miami, Florida."
Artists often juggle multiple roles. How do you manage your time effectively and balance artistic creation with administrative tasks and other aspects of your career?
"I must admit that juggling multiple roles while working many hours on a canvas isn't easy. But with hard work, effective time management, and the support of the right people, family, and friends, I always find a balance."
Planning an exhibition involves curatorial decisions. How do you select and organize artworks to create a cohesive and impactful exhibition that engages viewers?
"Planning a successful exhibition relies heavily on effective and efficient cooperation between the artists and the art gallery representing them. 'Out of the Box' is a unique, cohesive, and anthropocentric series of paintings. Its potent symbolism initiates an internal dialogue with viewers, allowing them to offer their interpretations and responses to both personal and social questions that arise from the experience."
As we wrap up, is there a message you’d like to convey to your audience and fellow artists, especially regarding the unique narrative and viewer participation aspect of your art?
"Most of the time, I feel that words restrict my expressions, yet my brush liberates them. In my view, art should reflect feelings of hope and comfort. I’m constantly attuned to the phenomena around me. These are the culmination of a lifetime of collected mental images that express feelings, sounds, flashbacks, and anything I deem challenging."
In the realm of art, where imagination knows no bounds, Sofia Fotiadou's work shines as a beacon of creativity and innovation. Her distinctive style, marked by the unique distortion of faces and the depth of storytelling within her canvases, beckons viewers to explore the intricate interplay between perception and reality.
As represented by Eclectic Gallery, Sofia's art continues to captivate audiences around the world, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary expression. With each stroke of her brush, she unveils the hidden emotions and narratives that lie beneath the surface of her subjects, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of human experience.
We extend a warm invitation to experience Sofia Fotiadou's art in person at Eclectic Gallery, located at 16 Newman Street, Fitzrovia, London W1T 1PB, UK. Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or someone looking to embark on a visual journey, Sofia's work promises to engage, inspire, and challenge your perception of the world.
For inquiries, further information, or to explore Sofia's captivating portfolio, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@eclecticgallery.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you to the world of Sofia Fotiadou's artistry, where imagination knows no bounds, and each canvas tells a story waiting to be discovered.
September 29, 2023