Marietta Papachimona’s solo exhibition, Silent Cries, currently on view at the Imagine Visual Arts Gallery, focuses on the sensitive issue of gender-based violence. Her elegant compositions are a visual reminder of the trauma, self-discovery and resilience of the women suffering in silence.
Combining gauze and embroidery, the artist uses vintage frames, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Enriched with symbols, such as flowers and insects, her multi-layered compositions raise deeper existential questions and aim to raise awareness of the impact of gender violence. Through her graceful art, Marietta Papachimona reminds us to pause, breathe, and embrace the beauty of the present moment as well as the power of the human being to move forward and overcome tumultuous situations.
Marietta Papachimona was born in Athens. She studied Sociology at Panteion University and continued with postgraduate studies in Criminology. For several years she worked in public secondary education. Her artistic quest led her to the Athens School of Fine Arts, where she studied under Michalis Manousakis and Giorgos Kazazis. She is married and a mother of two girls.
Marietta Papachimona talks to Greek News Agenda* about her artistic process.
You have studied Sociology and Criminology. How did this background subsequently influence your creative process?
Painting came first. I’ve been painting for as long as I can remember myself. As a child, the walls of my room were covered with paper so I could draw on them. Painting defined my identity very early in my life. It was a way to express emotions and a source of acceptance from my environment. Sociology and Criminology came later on.
These studies opened new horizons in understanding human behavior and social phenomena. Our experiences and knowledge inevitably influence, consciously and unconsciously, not only the way we see things and the choice of the subject matter but also the way we visually express ourselves.
Gender violence is a multifaceted phenomenon. Why did you choose to focus on silence?
Silence is one of the most important factors in the perpetuation of the cycle of violence. I believe that breaking the silence is crucial in addressing the phenomenon of gender-based violence and increasing the visibility of these types of behaviors. When the environment and victims are silenced, violence becomes entrenched and leads to impunity and even more crimes.
Your paintings are exquisite. You use various media (gauze, embroidery, vintage frames). Could you share with us the process you follow?
Thank you very much! I start by looking for old frames at flea markets and antique shops. Frames are fascinating as they bear stories, memories of a life gone by along with the signs of wear. In my studio, I work on them with paints and wax. I then chose my subject matter depending on the way I feel.
The faces depicted can be from early 20th-century photographs or creations of my imagination. I focus mainly on the look and expression. I paint with charcoal on fabrics and embroider on gauze or transparent silk. Most works are three-layered, giving the final result a three-dimensional feel.
In your works, you use flowers and insects. What do they symbolize?
At first sight, insects remind us of decay and mortality. But insects and flowers can be seen from different perspectives, sometimes even contradictory to each other.
They have the characteristics of ephemerality and fragility, but at the same time, they can also denote optimism. Insects fly, fly away, but also transform themselves by giving birth and being reborn.
Flowers with their sharp beauty are symbols of sexuality and passion. They are offered as a form of apology and farewell, but also as a sign of love and affection.
Art often takes on political or social connotations. Do you think it has the potential to raise public awareness and foster change?
Art interacts with the viewer’s emotions. It can make you feel sadness, joy, anger, or admiration. And yes! I do believe art has the power to convey messages, raise awareness, and change mindsets and attitudes.
*Interview by Dora Trogadi
