Athens born Afrodite Papadouli presents her second solo exhibition at the Hellenic Centre this January. “A New Day Has Come” is a combination of oil and mixed media paintings.
Meet the Artist: Saturday 18 January, 15:30-18:00
“In a world of pure materialism, art is one source of spiritualism that can still create images of hope. Art is a link to our instincts, a way to appreciate nature, and a bridge between the metaphysical. Art provides us with the tranquillity we need to concentrate, while offering a more optimistic view on life.
As an artist for more than 20 years now, I have realised that art has built my character. As a child I was more introverted and less sociable. Art has given me more self-confidence, especially during the years of my studies at the Athens School of Arts. My feelings and behaviours have changed a lot.
Therefore, it is my belief that we must strongly guide children to interact with art in any medium. Art is the key for humanity and a brighter future. ”
– Afrodite Papadouli
Papadouli studied Painting in the Athens School of Fine Arts under the supervision of Yannis Psychopedis. While still being a student she was distinguished in a local competition on the project of the refurbishment of Piraeus station and subsequently she won a prize in a major European competition on the introduction of the Euro currency entitled “Painting the Euro”.
After her graduation in 2002 her work evolved rapidly into expressionistic trends with striking colours and strong contrasts. She would break the form quite often and she would choose her subject instinctively.
She has presented a series of themes, in a total of 9 solo and numerous group exhibitions based on both reality and imagination often blending the two into a magical realism, her themes and ideas springing from childhood, fairy tales, dreams, trivial aspects from everyday life and the endless energy one can discover in nature. Within these subjects she can express freely and effortlessly her instant emotions in glowing lively colours.
Moreover, she teaches in primary education classes, colleges and cultural associations.
