Bio:

Fotini Christophillis is a painter currently residing in Greenville, SC. She holds an MFA degree from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts/Tufts University (2016) and a BA in Studio Art and Arts Management from the College of Charleston (2008).

 

She received two Arts Grants from the City of Charleston Cultural Affairs Office to present group exhibitions, including an exhibition as part of the Piccolo Spoleto Festival. Fotini has exhibited her work nationally in galleries in cities such as NYC, San Diego, and St. Louis, as well as the Redux Contemporary Art Center and the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art in Charleston, SC, and at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Fotini's works are in private collections throughout the USA and Europe. She is represented by Artios Gallery in New York, NY. 

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Statement:

In my work, I eliminate specific details to express a dream-like snapshot from my subconscious, a kind of cinematographic film still that arrests the instance between presence and absence. This paradox drives me. I seek to reconcile both ends of the spectrum, juxtaposing bands of color with plays of light and shadow, precise hard edges, geometric forms, and improvisational and fresh brushwork that is both turbulent and free, controlled and sustained. Essentially, the paintings are reflections of my current experience as I seek to understand where I am, where I am going, and how I relate to this place where I find myself in these strange times.

 

I maintain a regular studio practice of drawing from direct observation aspects from my daily life, fugitive glimpses of the day soon to pass. This practice brings me into the present moment, informs my work through the carefully observed line and spatial relationships, as I intend to have an anchor in reality while working from my imagination. As I develop my paintings, I begin building the surface with thin layers, handling the paint with fluidity like water, and exploring the depth and richness of oil paint through chromatic sensitivity and tonal values. In this way, I hope to bring to the viewer a sense of joy and sensual pleasure of color.

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website: fotinichristophillis.com

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