Angeliki Tsoukala. Beyond the surface

Critic's commentary:

A vibrant art exhibition that sheds light on the identities that people create for themselves and their relationship with Id, Ego and Superego. Tsoukala's paintings are a confirmation that hard-core realism is not only dynamic, but is returning to the art world as more relevant than ever.

PRESS RELEASE

Through her work, Angeliki Tsoukala explores how personal and collective stories can be investigated through art, offering a way to address issues such as gender, race, identity, and socioeconomic status. Through her portraits, she aims to offer new, alternative perspectives that challenge traditional norms, highlighting diverse perceptions of identity. She explores the role of selfies in shaping identity by focusing on the image of the self we choose to project - especially on social media.

The passage of time is a central theme in her work. Aging, with its visible signs on the body - such as wrinkles and gray hair - becomes a form of exploration, urging the viewer to reconsider their understanding of time, space, and self. She pays close attention to the subtle textures of skin and light, creating a deeper sense of volume and realism in the figures she paints. She uses techniques such as oil, egg tempera, and acrylics on canvas, and through a methodical process, each painting is constructed by accumulating small details into a greater whole. Her works aim to be complex and multidimensional, revealing the hidden depths and unseen aspects that exist within everyday moments. They challenge the viewer to experience the subject's presence in a personal way and to form a connection that transcends the physical level, creating an emotional or existential bond.

Her approach is grounded in gestural painting and the fragmentation of the image, creating a sense of fluidity and transience. By keeping the image in a constant state of evolution, she invites the viewer into a multidimensional, non-linear reality. This approach challenges traditional perception, emphasizing an instinctive and intuitive experience rather than a purely logical or visual one. The viewer is encouraged to engage with the artwork not merely as an observer but as an active participant, navigating the textured surfaces and complex layers of meaning that compose each work.

The artist herself states: "Through my work, I want to explore the interconnected nature of existence, where multiple forces and dimensions coexist and reflect the complexity of the universe itself. Each painting invites the viewer into a dialogue about time, memory, and the underlying forces that shape our understanding of the world around us."

Duration: April 4th– June 7, 2025

Visiting hours: Tuesday - Friday: 12:00-16:00 & 17:00-20:00, Saturday 11:00-15:00.

Where: Astrolavos Art Gallery, Dexameni, 11 Xanthippou str, 106 75 Athens