As autumn approaches, it heralds a fresh wave of art exhibitions as local artists across Cyprus gear up to showcase their latest creations. Over the next week, three highly anticipated exhibitions will be unveiled in Nicosia and Paphos, offering unique perspectives on contemporary issues. From environmental concerns to mental health and urban expression, these exhibitions promise to engage and inspire.
Emma Louise Charalambous’ First Solo Exhibition: Amensalism
Kicking off in Nicosia, photographer Emma Louise Charalambous is set to present her debut solo exhibition at the Centre of Contemporary Art Diatopos, under the curation of Daphne Nikita. Titled Amensalism, the exhibition delves into the complex power dynamics that influence environmental and urban politics in Cyprus.
Running from October 4 to October 25, this exhibition is divided into two main sections. The first, titled What’s Up With The Sky, adopts a documentary style to examine the impact of air pollution on both ecological and sociocultural landscapes. Through her work, Charalambous draws attention to the power structures that contribute to the crisis and calls for urgent action to address its consequences.
The second section, Power Play, offers a fresh perspective on censorship and the power struggles that occur in urban spaces. By portraying covered graffiti as unintended forms of abstract public art, Charalambous highlights the ongoing performative interaction between authorities and the marginalized social actors whose voices are being suppressed.
Together, these two bodies of work explore the interrelationship between environmental destruction and the suppression of expression, urging viewers to consider the larger societal implications of these power struggles.
Mental Echoes: A Collective Exhibition on Mental Health
Also opening on October 4 in Nicosia is Mental Echoes, a collective exhibition held at the Common Room next to Prozak. This marks the second edition of the exhibition, which centers around the theme of mental health and its representation through art in modern society.
Participating artists include Andri Andreou, Giorgos Papakonstantinou, Iacovos Loizou (Mr Kok), Nurtane Karagil, Orestis Kalvaris, Souzana Petri, and Twenty Three, each bringing their own personal viewpoints and artistic mediums to the subject. The exhibition invites attendees to reflect on how mental health is understood and portrayed in contemporary culture, offering a diverse range of interpretations.
Cyprus: Flitting from Shadow to Light! – An Exhibition in Paphos
In Paphos, the Art & Shock Gallery will host Cyprus: Flitting from Shadow to Light!, featuring the works of Olga Shipilova, Philip Philippou, Natasha Karpova, and George Paphitis. This exhibition opens on October 5 and runs until October 19, offering a captivating exploration of light and shadow in Cyprus’ cultural context.
The opening night promises to be a lively affair, with Eugenia Molchanova performing live and Victor Mesogios sketching portraits of guests on the spot. The exhibition provides a rich artistic journey for visitors, combining performance with thought-provoking visuals.
Exhibition Details
Amensalism
- Artist: Emma Louise Charalambous
- Location: Centre of Contemporary Art Diatopos, Nicosia
- Dates: October 4 – 25
- Contact: Tel: 22-766117 | www.diatopos.com
Mental Echoes – Collective Exhibition
- Theme: Mental Health in Art
- Location: Common Room, next to Prozak
- Dates: October 4 – 14
- Visiting Hours: 6 pm – 10 pm
Cyprus: Flitting from Shadow to Light!
- Artists: Olga Shipilova, Philip Philippou, Natasha Karpova, George Paphitis
- Location: Art & Shock Gallery, Paphos
- Dates: October 5 – 19
- Opening Event: October 5, 6 pm
- Contact: Tel: 26-953900
- Gallery Hours:
Monday – Friday: 10 am – 2 pm, 3 pm – 6.30 pm
Wednesday and Saturday: 10 am – 2 pm
Make sure not to miss these upcoming exhibitions that offer a glimpse into the creative minds of Cyprus’ artists while exploring important social and environmental themes.