Dimitra Katsaouni

“Magnetism”

Dimitra Katsaouni presents at Gallery 7 the series “Magnetism” consisting of 15 paintings. “Magnetism” searches the dialog between geometric and visual writing. The “Magnetism” series consists of three main categories of works : canvas, paper and wood. “Magnetism” is the first solo exhibition of Dimitra Katsaouni.

All paintings completed between 2017 and 2019 in bοth Athens and Paro.

Born in Athens in 1973, Dimitra graduated in 2001 from the Athens School of Fine Arts, (workshop by C. Botsoglou). She mainly works in Athens, and participates in group exhibitions and collaborates with artists in various fields such as theater, performance and video art.

Prologue by fine artist Giorgos Rorris.

“Affront is almost committed by Dimitra Katsaouni with her latest works. This is at least what I conclude 7 years since the last time I saw the progress of her work. But why such a statement? Why “affront”? If words keep their power unaltered, then, the answer is that I can’t find word more suitable for me according to what I have concluded.

And I explain: It is an affront at a time when the abolition of every style has made a rule of itself, and in any case, you are to declare through your work a belief in unshakable values like the geometric structure and Apollonian order. It is an affront against a fancy way that rests on an empty display of exhibition where reflection and desire of precision have managed to master every mood for impressing. The latter, although cheap, is ubiquitous in the way of our time.

It is a painful attempt for a painter to react against the kitsch. How does he react? By believing in the classical values of Art. The simple approach, the primordial forms, the contrast, the layout, the rhythm, the confrontation, the conflict. The result, brings to the mind of the sensitive viewer the “Linear A and B”, the column of “Rosetta”, signs, absences, sounds, tones.

The fundamentals of the language and the visual language as well. Katsouni’s painting has ancestors. Old and recent. It passes through Renaissance engravings to reach Mondrian and the Constructivists. But it continues in every architectural plan, in every electronic circuit, but also in the lines drawn by the children to define their playing space on the cement or on the soil.

Let’s enjoy it by allowing our imagination to invest freely”.