The goal of my art is to depict that, while memory can be ephemeral, one’s core identities can remain stable. Being a Studio Art and Psychology double major, my drawings are heavily grounded on theories that relate to the frailty of memory, such as the modification of memories upon recall and the subjective experience of memory. I am particularly inspired by my proximity with my grandmother and her experience with Lewy body dementia, which is characterized by memory loss, delusions, and paranoia. I draw “portraits” of her using traditional Greek textiles that point to her generation and Greek identity. My connection between them is so strong that I consider these textiles to be representations of her. Media such as oil pastels, charcoal, and watercolor provide a sharpness that can be wiped away with a touch. As such, I believe that their use can be paralleled to memory, which can at times be simultaneously specific and hazy. Ultimately, the drawings I create explore the ambiguity of memory and its relationship with the evolution of identity.
Hometown?
Thessaloniki, Greece
Major/minor?
Psychology and Studio Art Double Major.
What is your primary medium?
My primary medium is oil pastel. I really enjoy the simultaneous sharpness and looseness that the medium provides. At the same time, it allows me to draw faster, which I think is important for my work since I prefer working on a larger scale.
What was the inspiration for your show?
I mainly derive my inspiration from my grandmother. She was recently diagnosed with Lewy body dementia, which is characterized by a combination of memory loss and psychotic features, such as paranoia and delusions. Since I have grown up in the same building as her, I see her as an extension of myself. As a psychology and studio art double major, I am fascinated by topics related to development, and I know from my studies that memory is both frail and dynamic. As part of my artistic process, I draw “portraits” by referencing traditional Greek textiles. Ultimately, with my marks, I disintegrate, distort, and unweave the textiles in an attempt to explore the ambiguity of memory and its relationship with the evolution of identity.
What does the title of your show mean?
The title of my show is Lethe. The word originates from Greek mythology and refers to a river whose water was believed to cause forgetfulness. Nowadays, the word is used metaphorically as a synonym for oblivion. I chose this specific title as I think it encapsulates both memory loss, which is a core principle to my work, and my Greek identity.
What do you feel is the most significant piece in the exhibition and why? What is your favorite piece and why?
The most significant piece in my exhibition is “Banded.” I think that this piece is especially important as it was a milestone in my thinking of the relationship between memory and Greek textiles. While creating the piece, I was able to mediate the amount of specificity and looseness that I felt was needed to discuss memory and identity.
How will art and the process of making continue to play a role in your life after graduation?
I think that art has allowed me to develop skills that I would have never had the chance to through other courses. It has helped me develop my creativity and has expanded the ways I approach projects, and I am certain that such abilities will help me in any future endeavors.
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