EURAN European Art Networks presents: Maria Papafili, European Artist with a Global Presence
Thursday, September 21, 2023
Introduction
Maria Papafili is a highly acclaimed artist with a diverse background and a global footprint. Born in Corinth, Greece, she currently resides in Europe, where she lives and moves among various countries, including Cyprus, Italy, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and her native Greece. Her artistic journey is a testament to her international reach and influence. Beyond her artistic prowess, Maria has also played significant roles as a curator, art consultant, and board member of prominent organizations.
Biography
Educational Background and Scholarships
Maria's extensive educational journey took her across European borders:
Individual Exhibitions
Maria's artistry knows no borders, as evident from her extensive solo exhibitions:
Main Group Exhibitions
Maria's presence in the European art scene is palpable through her participation in numerous group exhibitions:
Collections
Maria's artistry transcends borders and is cherished in collections worldwide:
Professional Roles
Maria has contributed significantly to the art world through her roles as a curator, art consultant, and board member:
Conclusion
Maria Papafili's artistic journey is a testament to her international appeal and her ability to thrive in diverse cultural landscapes across Europe. Alongside her artwork, her multifaceted contributions to the art world, her roles as a curator, consultant, and board member showcase her holistic engagement with art and further enrich her impressive career. Her work as an artist and the wealth of her professional contributions continue to transcend boundaries, captivating audiences globally.
Art critics
Art critic Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan offers a captivating assessment of artist Maria Papafili's "In the Enchantment of the Look" series. She praises Papafili's masterful portrayal of subjects, highlighting the profound impact of their expressive eyes, which serve as windows to their souls. Iliopoulou-Rogan notes that Papafili's art transcends conventional beauty and light, imbuing it with metaphysical depth. She commends the artist's unique ability to convey timeless, existential messages through her portraits, emphasizing the magnetic power of the subjects' gazes and their role in fostering a direct and lasting connection with viewers.
Dora Iliopoulou-Rogan, Dr. Historian of Art – Art Critic, Officier des Arts et des Lettres (France).
Art critic Athena Schina provides a thoughtful review of Maria Papafili's "The Face Cosmography" series. She praises Papafili's exploration of memories, emotions, and the power of women, especially mothers and children, within these paintings. Schina acknowledges the immediate appeal and honesty in Papafili's work, noting a subtle lyricism with latent eroticism. The paintings, according to Schina, blend everyday life with myth and imagination through color and design, creating captivating paradoxes. Schina also highlights the emotional depth and surface dialogue in the art, ultimately commending Papafili for conveying joy, sensuality, and cultural richness in her cosmographic portrayal of life's pleasures.
Athena Schina, Greek Historian of Art & Theory of Culture.
Writer Antonis Bouloutzas offers a reflective analysis of Maria Papafili's "The Genealogy of a Renewal." He celebrates her shift from traditional narratives to an invigorated artistic perspective. Bouloutzas observes Papafili's evolution, as her subjects transition from confined spaces to the broader world, rejuvenating into childlike figures. Children become central, symbolizing hope and the future. These youthful figures inhabit vibrant landscapes and story-cities, showcasing Papafili's command over realism. Bouloutzas commends her ability to play with perspective and color, crafting dynamic compositions. In essence, he lauds Papafili for her departure from academic norms, embracing a hopeful and colorful artistic vision.
Antonis Bouloutzas is a writer. He has been the publisher of the Greek art magazines Eikastika and ARTI International.
Art critic John Papafigos offers insights into Maria Papafili's artwork, where children's faces and forms are immersed in magical settings. He highlights the use of color and form to create dreamlike worlds, conveying carefree and joyful moods. Papafili's compositions evolve from narrative juxtapositions to paradoxical artistic expressions with surreal elements, offering unique conceptual content to viewers.
Papafigos acknowledges the artist's anthropocentric approach, emphasizing emotional connections with her models. He mentions the influence of expressionism, impressionism, and neorealism in her work, leading to balanced compositions with peaceful textures.
Papafigos commends Papafili's dynamic entry into the art scene, with strong technical skills and discipline. He notes her ability to gently shift perceptions of the world through her images, akin to a "mild earthquake" that leaves the essence of things unchanged.
John Papafigos, Art critic and AICA member.
Thank you.
Alexandros, your involvement with Euran (European Art Networks) is truly commendable! Your dedication to the art community is making a significant impact on promoting and preserving European art. Keep up the fantastic work in connecting artists and enthusiasts alike!