Superbloom art at Alpha C.K. Gallery

Artist Ioanna Kythreotou will present her new solo exhibition at Alpha C.K. Gallery this month, in a show called Superbloom. Open for the public between May 11 and 22, this series of artwork serves as the continuation of a larger, ongoing project focused on the exploration of the essence and quality of memory.

Specifically, the memories caused by life-altering events beyond our control, such as war. These are often characterised by their sudden and inexplicable nature and tend to seize the comfort of everyday living and routine, pushing the survivors into a state of insecurity and instability. The traumatic quality of these events if further magnified, acquires an almost surreal aspect when experienced from the innocent and naïve perspective of a child.

This chapter of the above exploration is based on a rare, botanical event known as a Super Bloom, where a barren environment is blanketed by swathes of wildflowers, whose seeds had lain dormant beneath the dry soil for years until they were awakened by excessive and intense rainfall. The desolate desert landscapes tend to produce flowers that bloom briefly – but in abundance.

When it comes to memories, it appears that the common notion is only partly true; they may appear forgotten or hidden away, but they are never really gone. Much like the dormant wildflower seeds, when the conditions are just right, they too can bloom again.

Superbloom

Solo exhibition by Ioanna Kythreotou. May 11-22. Alpha C.K. Gallery, Nicosia. Tel: 22-751325. Contact: [email protected]