What do we need to know about the work you are exhibiting at Not Applicable? 

These artworks are part of my “Fantasy World” series. I am inspired by the Nature, Greek mythology, African spirits, the Mythical Creatures and childhood memories. The extroverted children’s play became an adult game. I am creating new games, bodies with no gender, toys for everyone, creatures and their stories. Sometimes these creatures have big or small horns, symbolizing safety and protection. With their horns these creatures protect themselves but also each other. 

My world is not an aggressive, all creatures are living in harmony, without conflict, this is the world I fantasized about as a child. The intensity comes out only through the colors. When I was young, I used to play with my toys on the floor with my mother every day, we were dreaming and creating stories. I invite people to play with me and dream their own “Fantasy World”. 

During the years we discover our body and who we are. Do we have a choice to discover our real self? Let the children be free to choose! Memories are not erased but we can neglect them. Personally I don’t want this to happen. I will continue to create my fantasy world so that I will never let the memory of playing fade away. You can be what you wanted to be. Be free to express who you are. 

How do you interpret the term ‘Not Applicable’? 

With the Covid19 crisis it is like we have put a pause in our lives and we are waiting for something to happen, to reborn. 

How would you describe yourself? 

My name is Vassiliki Koukou and I am visual artist currently based in Athens, Greece. I have a fine art Bachelor and Integrated Master with a specialization in painting from Athens Schools of Fine Arts in Athens, Greece. I am interested in painting, contemporary sculpture, engraving, photography, sewing and scenography. I created a project called "Fantasy World", like a childhood memory of mine. I like to create stories and give life to non-existing creatures using wood, clay, fabric and other materials. In my paintings I try to create scenes from my utopia "Fantasy World". 

I am an optimist. I try to find always the positive part in every difficult situation in my life. I am a dreamer, a dreamer of a world of peace and equality. I love to make people laugh and happy. I am ambitious and I put big goals. 

How do you choose the themes in your works? 

When I start a new project it is always because I have some thoughts inside my mind that I can’t neglect. I know that when I start thinking about a situation, or a feeling, or a memory for more than 3 times a day, that this should be my new project. 

How is an artist copping through the pandemic? 

There are no physical exhibitions, so less interruption with the public through in the 'real' world. Digital exhibitions and digital presents are more valuable in these times of isolation. Not only in art but also in other cultural fields like music etc; they are suffering from this type of reduced physical interaction. Art is compassing all our senses and there only a few that we can satisfy through the computer screen. 

Which things do you remind yourself every morning? 

That I am the only Vassiliki Koukou in the whole planet, life is short and if we try we can succeed everything we want. 

What makes you angry? 

Injustice and racism. 

What’s your strongest memory of your childhood? 

Both of my parents are artists, they are painters, so I was lucky as a child. I used to travel a lot with them and visit museums all over the world. In the summer time we used to visit Greek islands and paint all together in the beach. 

What piece of advice would you give? 

Don’t change for anyone, be yourself and never stop trying to improve yourself. 

Recommend 3 songs/books/articles/magazines/podcasts 

1. Anoxia King Gizzard And The Lizard Wizard, Anoxia

2. Fire Coming Out of a Monkey's Head, Gorillaz 

3. See You Again, Tyler The Creator feat. Kali Uchis

See more work vassilikiikoukou.wixsite.com

Follow on Instagram @vassilikik