Charoula Nikolaidou © courtesy of the artist
What do we need to know about the work you are exhibiting at Not Applicable?
The work that will be exhibiting was created during the pandemic. I depict moments of everyday reality, reflecting on the states of loneliness, love, tenderness and animosity of life. My figures are distillations of my identity as a woman with all my fixations, obsessions and anxieties. Through my work I manifest the poetry of painting as a cathartic value against agony.
How do you interpret the term 'Not Applicable'?
The pandemic has had unintended, harmful effects on art by threatening the place of art in our society. Exhibitions, Art Fairs and art shows were all 'Not Applicable' in the present case. As a result, purely online viewings of artwork are now legitimately accepted and normalized, in order to reach a broader audience and create sales regardless of a gallery.
What is the best part about your practice?
The part of my work process that I enjoy most is when an idea starts materializing and finally I can share my thoughts and feelings with the world.
How would you describe yourself?
I’m a dreamer, persistent and ambitious.
What does color mean to your art?
Color is my main stimulus, it feeds my visual gravings. It’ a characteristic that defines my gaze. Saturated colors serve me as the primary means to express emotions.
Charoula Nikolaidou © courtesy of the artist
Which artists have been your big influences?
I’m inspired by artists ranging from Egon Schiele, Lucian Freud, Arshile Gorky, Willem de Kooning and Francis Bacon.
How do you choose the themes in your works?
I get most of my work ideas when I am outside the studio, in moments of pause. I normally think about a composition of figures that I’d like to work with and then spend a while getting trapped on google, looking of images similar to my composition. This is the starting off point for a new painting.
What title would you give to this chapter of your life?
The title that I would give to this chapter of my life is definitely “Work in progress”.
Which are your favourite 3 songs this period?
1. “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran
2. “I’m so pretty” by Kato
3. “In your eyes” by The Weeknd
What’s next for 2021-22?
Although in the current circumstances it is quite challenging to think about the future, there are some plans for exhibitions in Athens, in Cyprus and hopefully in London.
Charoula Nikolaidou © courtesy of the artist