Inspired by memories, human stories and identifiable works of art, visual artist Maria Diakodimitriou presents her dreamy world. Transcending time and place and using symbolic and archetypical elements, she creates multilayered stories. Against the backdrop of unfamiliar urban settings as well as spectacular theatrical sets, she skillfully creates a fascinating, dynamic, evocative world, the viewer can ultimately relate to. Her works of art have a story to tell. A dense universe is unfolded, defining her distinct visual idiom.
In her recent successful exhibition Remake, curated by Iris Kritikou, at Technohoros Art Gallery, Maria Diakodimitriou actively experiments with paper, acrylics, multiple prints, and multimedia. Using elements from different time periods and various techniques, she composes three-dimensional narratives.
Born in Athens, Greece, Maria Diakodimitriou holds a degree in English Literature. For several years she has been teaching in several educational institutions. In 2003 she started working in the field of artistic design and in 2005 she published the magazine Epoches. She has also studied set design and 3D modeling. Her artistic trajectory comprises 7 solo exhibitions and more than more than 100 group exhibitions in Greece, England, France, Sweden, Sweden, and Switzerland. Her work has been exhibited in art galleries, museums, institutions, theatres and festivals, as well as international art fairs in Switzerland, England and Greece.
Maria Diakodimitriou spoke to Greek News Agenda* about her art and sources of inspiration.
Your art is very particular in terms of technical means and style. Could you describe the steps that lead to the final result?
The first stage of the process is the research in archives, books, various printed materials and on the internet, followed by the production of digital prints with the help of multimedia. The next step is the use of acrylics on a painting block, which is used as the basis for composing images and multiple layers in order to create a 3D effect. Then I proceed with the technique of collage on the scale model with kappa mount and cutters.
It is obvious that your intention is to communicate with the viewer, to tell a story. Your works clearly allude to a theatrical set. In what way does theater and speech get involved in your compositions?
My artistic proposal is defined as a visual narrative. As a graduate of English Literature, I had relatively early contact with English and American theater. Later on, I got involved in theatrical setting. I have also participated in workshops and performances and attended several seminars in theatre studies. The magic of theatre strongly influenced me and provided me with plenty of material to create.
What is your source of inspiration for your stories?
Inspiration comes from everywhere. From pictures in books and old magazines, movies, visiting museums, walking in the streets, or simply a word… Athens is also a major source of inspiration for me.
In what way has your academic background influenced the way you create?
My academic background has certainly helped me to form my visual expression. My constant contact with texts has given me valuable information for the composition of my narratives.
What themes are you primarily concerned with?
The urban architectural landscape, the interiors of the houses, the factory environment, the abandoned, worn-out buildings play a major role in my art. All these elements usually depicted in black and white are combined with fictional elements, characters or intense colorful scenes from famous and lesser known works of art.
You persistently incorporate elements of the past into your compositions. Which period of time is the one that fascinates you the most and why?
Most of my works are timeless. However, different time periods and elements of visual art movements are incorporated. From Victorian Pre-Raphaelites, to the 60’s with Pop Art and Edward Hopper. And from the Renaissance with Sandro Botticelli to the 50’s with Norman Rockwell.
Today’s reality sometimes frustrates and frightens me. So I create my own, with figures and scenes from the past and beyond. They fascinate me, I have a good time and I want to believe that the viewers also share this perspective.
*Interview by Dora Trogadi
Intro Image: Refrain; All works of art presented at exhibition Remake
TAGS: ARTS
