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Antonia Papatzanaki

Artist statement

My work concerns the nature of the structure of reality. I found myself between natural and geometrical structures. Between my natural senses and my inclination to use abstract forms and ideas often inspired by Philosophy and Science.

I am working with light, the essential element of our visual perception. My works are self-luminous; light emanates from their interior. A constant dialogue exists between the light of the work and the ambient light of the surroundings, creating an experience of heightened awareness of its qualities, and its relation to time for the spectator. Directly connected to life and metaphorically to truth, since without it most life and vision do not exist, light is a heavily loaded universal symbol. The dual substance of light -mass and energy- corresponds to the duality of human nature as mind and body.

In my work light is formed as it passes through transparent or translucent materials, which penetrate opaque metal surfaces. Structured on a grid, linear signs of light constitute a luminous form from the repetition of an industrial-made glass rod. The lengths of the rods vary and are placed with shifted axes, creating shadows within the light area changing the luminosity of the forms according to the angle from which they are viewed. Currently, I am transferring my drawings to Plexiglas through Laser etching. The cuts glow as the light passes through the molecules of Plexiglas revealing the drawing. I am also working with Plexiglas sheets, that on their linear or curvilinear sections the light refracts as it passes from the body of the material. Formally the work has two aspects: one linear- geometric and one natural- organic that depends on the spectator�s point of view.

My work charts the relation between: light and darkness, matter and energy, mass and weightlessness, inside and outside, geometric and organic, fragmentation and unity, the hand made and the industrially produced, and finally the viewer and the art object. The structure of the work and its references are an entity waiting for the viewer to experience and discover.

Agora

2000
Polyester-fiberglass, Stainless Steel, Fluorescent lights.
An outdoor installation, consisting of twelve cylinders of a 40 centimeters diameter, and heights ranging from 2,40 to 4,10 meters.

Untitled 18506

2005
Bronze, Glass, Light
96 x 220 x 30 cm

Passage

2002
Bronze, Plexiglas, Light
75 x 214 x 26 cm

Untitled 92501

2003
Bronze, Plexiglas, Light
125 x 140 x 25 centimeters

Lighthouse

2004
Corten Steel, Glass, Light
6,80 x 6,80x 16 meters height

Untitled 17502, 17503

2005
Laser etched Plexiglas, Aluminum, Light
43 x 38 x 5 cm, each

Untitled 18503

2005
Bronze, Plexiglas, Light
66 x 86 x 25 centimeters

Untitled 18511

2006
Stainless Steel, Plexiglas, Light
100 x 118 x 25 centimeters