Tag: European Art

The “Byzantine Mona Lisa” Discovered in Istanbul

In a church on the Princes’ Islands of Istanbul, a masterpiece and Byzantine treasure awaited discovery. This unique bilateral post-Byzantine icon of Panagia Eleousa held a peculiar feature: on its reverse side, there was another painted icon from the 14th century, which had remained “hidden” for over a hundred years inside a heavy metal box, kept in the Church of Panagia Eleousa on Bรผyรผkada/Pringipos. This magnificent, rare, and unique artifact, often regarded as the Byzantine Mona Lisa, has endured through the centuries, conveying numerous historical, social, and artistic messages. With the expertise of a conservator, who tends to it as an art doctor, it has been safeguarded for future generations. Currently, this masterpiece is housed at the Church of Panagia Eleousa in Bรผyรผkada/Pringipos, Istanbul.

Tectonic Worlds Collide in The Perfect Storm! A Collaborative Exhibition by Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kalรกb at BC Gallery in Basel | VIDEO

They say opposites attract and similarities repel, however, some beg to differ, and in reality, mash ups and diversity always create unique and beautiful creatures. This holds true and is the case proven with decadent artworks in the exhibition, The Perfect Storm, a quintessential collection by Katrin Fridriks and Jan Kalรกb debuting at BC Gallery in Basel. Together, Katrin and Jan have found the ultimate sweet spot of their individual artistic expression to radiate into a new realm with breathtaking pieces evoking sensory stimulations, where you canโ€™t look away and become happily lost within its movements and colors.ย 

Jan Kalรกb’s “Beyond the Atolls” opens at Regina Gallery in Seoul, Korea | VIDEO

โ€œThis exhibition is inspired by colors, and shapes which could be found in underwater life. So is the significance of the exhibit title refers to hidden, and very fragile treasures of mother nature. It is my first solo show with Regina gallery in Korea, though weโ€™ve worked together for three years before this, however, due to the pandemic, naturally, our plans were postponed until this moment. This show encompasses entirely new work, and are paintings assembled from multiple canvases to create organic compositions; mostly, relief canvases, and one suspended installation,โ€ says Jan about the show.

MEDEA Contemporary Art Exhibition curated by Demetrio Paparoniย 

The exhibition includes works by 17 artists created specifically on the theme of Medea,ย one of the most famous and controversial characters in Greek mythology. It reveals the extent to which the story of the sorceress, infanticide in Euripidesโ€™ย narration, still affects the imagination of our times. Through the unprecedented gazeย of contemporary artists from different geographical areas โ€“ from Northern Europe toย China, from the Caucasus region to South-East Asia, as well as Italy โ€“ the exhibitionย highlights the inseparable link between Siracusa and ancient theatre. Classical tragedy is thus revived in Siracusa through contemporary artistic expressions also in theย field of visual arts.

Vivienne Becker’s Jewellery Designer Vivarium at GemGenรจve

This May, the Designer Vivarium is set to return to GemGenรจve, featuring five international contemporary designers, with four of them being new to the Vivarium, presenting their work at GemGenรจve for the first time. As usual, the Designer Vivarium is curated by renowned jewellery historian, Vivienne Becker, who meticulously scouts the globe for fresh and creative talent, seeking out independent, under-the-radar designer jewellers, artists, and goldsmiths who have something unique to offer in their jewellery. Becker’s discerning eye seeks out a strong, singular creative vision, intense individuality, and sophistication of craftsmanship.

Exclusive Interview with Renowned Senior Expert Artworks Conservator & Restorer Venizelos G. Gavrilakis | Part 1

VENIS STUDIOSย is a company thatย undertakes conservation and restoration projects of all fixed and portable works of art such as paintings, icon panels, artworks, antiques, historical monuments, etc., in Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Jordan, United States, and many other nations. Its purpose is to save artifacts and artworks by combining science with art. Recently, The World Art News had the pleasure to interview its President, Venizelos G. Gavrilakis, who shared with us fascinating images, stories, and facts about his unique art career. Here’s Part 1 of that conversation.

Exclusive Interview with German Sculptor & Videographer freaky-Deek | Part 3

Freaky-Deek is a talented sculptor and videographer hailing from the Black Forest region in Germany. He has been showcasing his work in various galleries, exhibitions, and social media platforms. Having grown tired of just typing on a keyboard, freaky-Deek decided to dive into his creative passion and start his own business. As a former figurine collector, he wanted to create something truly unique and dynamic. So, he combined his electronics skills with his love for art and crafted sculptures with added features such as lights and sound. Recently freaky-Deek embarked on a new journey with the creation of a one-of-a-kind polymer clay cyborg sculpt, known asย Project AD-01.

Exclusive Interview with German Sculptor & Videographer freaky-Deek | Part 2

Freaky-Deek is a talented sculptor and videographer hailing from the Black Forest region in Germany. He has been showcasing his work in various galleries, exhibitions, and social media platforms. Having grown tired of just typing on a keyboard, freaky-Deek decided to dive into his creative passion and start his own business. As a former figurine collector, he wanted to create something truly unique and dynamic. So, he combined his electronics skills with his love for art and crafted sculptures with added features such as lights and sound. Recently freaky-Deek embarked on a new journey with the creation of a one-of-a-kind polymer clay cyborg sculpt, known asย Project AD-01.

Stunning Stingray Throne by Didier Guenard – An Oak Barrel Story

Didier Guenard is a known artist, furniture maker, and restorer from France that specialized in wooden art and dรฉcor. His signature creations are works of fine furniture made from vintage and antique oak barrels. Didier uniquely repurposed, perfected, and mastered the wood of these vessels, teaching the world – the art of revealing a straight line within a curve.

For centuries oak barrels have been used to store and transport wine and spirits, but they also have a second life as a material for making artistic furniture. The sturdy and durable oak wood can be transformed into unique and beautiful pieces that add a rustic and vintage charm to any space. The process of making artistic furniture from these barrels is a creative and innovative endeavor that requires a skilled craftsman.

Exclusive Interview with German Sculptor & Videographer freaky-Deek | Part 1

“After finishing a project, I feel the urge to create something completely new, but social norms, and social media dictate a sense of regularly pushing out similar content, using similar hashtags, maintaining a schedule โ€“ which are, in my opinion, literally poison to creativity.”

Meet freaky-Deek, a talented sculptor and videographer hailing from the Black Forest region in Germany. He has been showcasing his work in various galleries, exhibitions, and social media platforms. Having grown tired of just typing on a keyboard, freaky-Deek decided to dive into his creative passion and start his own business. As a former figurine collector, he wanted to create something truly unique and dynamic.