Exhibition goes on an Ithaca quest

As you set out for Ithaka hope the voyage is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery

So begins the famous poem by CP Cavafy about the journey of Odysseas back to his rocky island home. Just as generations of sailors can empathise with the vagaries of the sea, so artists and writers through the ages have re-imagined the myth. A new solo exhibition by artist Zenon Jepras which opens at Alpha CK Gallery on June 17 brings the subject of Ithaca once more into the spotlight.

“In contemporary allegorical and symbolic terms,” say the organisers, “we characterise the many trials and obstacles, monsters and temptations that block and distract from life’s path. Odysseas is the Everyman that elevates us all from merely human Nobodies tiptoeing through every day, to captains of spectacular adventure. As the poet, it is the painter’s job to recognise the heroic in everyone who navigates through the turmoil of events, the existential threats and anxieties that come at us every day. But in so doing, as the destination comes into view, we grow richer and wiser; the paint dries, the layers thicken.”

Jepras’ Ithakas, as his exhibition is titled, is full of large colourful paintings depicting people in various settings. Fiery reds, deep ocean blues, bright greens and oranges make up his paintings. A genuine figurative artist, Jepras’ work focuses strongly on the tradition of narrative painting and telling stories through the language of painting – colour, texture, emotion and symbolism. Mythology and history blend with current social and political trends to produce powerful and vivid works that create a narrative for the viewer to decode and unravel.

Ithakas

Solo exhibition by Zenon Jepras. June 17-30. Alpha C.K. Gallery, Nicosia. Tuesday-Friday: 10am-1pm and 4pm-7pm. Saturday 10am-1pm. Virtually at artspaces.kunstmatrix.com/en/exhibition/6828233/ithakas. Tel: 22-751325