Colourful exhibition of paintings at Gloria Gallery

The first exhibition of 2023 at Gloria Gallery is an exhibition of paintings by Andreas Iona Makrides with the title The Primary, opening on January 10.

In the first solo showcase of the artist, he presents paintings which are characterised by vibrant colours, which, through explosive and loud imagery, are shaped into an abstract iconography that expresses his inner emotional world.

Speaking about his work the artist said: “Sometimes, I use in my artwork geometric shapes to symbolise structure and order but more often I like to explore the natural world through the use of biomorphic shapes, which in my opinion reflect the connection between the human subconscious and reality more accurately. I expect that the colourful forms, the texture and the energy that each painting gives off, generate an emotional response to the viewers that creates a conceptual connection between the viewers and the painting.

“Through my paintings I am trying to lead the viewers into processing competing pieces of imagery and wander within a strange world and confront the unknown. The interpretation of each piece of imagery is constantly transforming and it is up to the viewers to interpret the various scenes and find their own personal meaning in each painting. There is no one unique correct interpretation of each painting, because the various elements of the painting draw attention in different competing directions, making it hard for the mind to focus on one particular object long enough to make sense of it, forcing the viewer to eventually surrender to this confusion and accept it as an integral part of the emotions evoked be the painting.”

Andreas Iona Makrides was born in Nicosia in 1999. His artistic inclination became apparent from the early years of his life. He studied Conceptual Design with direction in fashion design at De Montfort University in the UK. Throughout his studies he experimented with paints, glass, metal, garments, jewellery and other materials and has acquired confidence in the skills that are required and could be used to manipulate and transform a canvas and other raw materials into works of art.

The Primary

Exhibition by Andreas Iona Makrides. January 10-30. Gloria Gallery, Nicosia. Opening night: 7pm. Monday – Friday: 10.30am-12.45pm and 5.30pm – 8pm. Saturday: 10.30am-12.45pm. Tel: 22-762605