TSANTILIS GALLERY, established in 1925, announces the opening of a solo exhibition by the celebrated artist Pela Tampakaki, titled ‘Eternal Summer: Moments by the Sea.’ The exhibition will showcase a series of vibrant paintings that capture the serene and joyful essence of summer, featuring scenes of beaches, swimmers, and sunbathers. The show is set to run from September 26 to October 6, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 26 (7-10pm).
The work of Pela Tampakaki carries on a centuries-long tradition in sea-themed painting in Greece, but her perspective is contemporary and refreshing. Impressions of everyday beach scenes are transformed via her expressionistic brushstrokes into picture-planes of tranquility and delight.
With its myriads of striking turquoise and ultra marine, cool hues, the Greek sea has captured the interest of many artists. From Volanakis’s 19th century historical seascapes, to Maleas’s post-impressionist depictions, but let’s not forget also the works of 20th century masters such as Samios and Tetsis. Although predominantly a painter of people, even the great Mytaras had a special place in his art for the Greek sea and all that it embodies. Mytaras’s shell collection and shell paintings are another sea-related subject, apart from his seascapes with ships, where mermaids also make their appearance. Internationally-acclaimed contemporary Greek artists such as Verghi and Filopoulou, have also continued the Greek seascape tradition. And there are many more, contemporary Greek artists, such as Pela Tampakaki, whose works add yet another facet to the different interpretations of this great Greek experience.
For those living in more northern climes in particular, to wake up to a slice of Greek summer in their home would certainly be inspiring. While for those living in Greece, seascapes continue to symbolize the best of this country.
Upon asked as to what led Tampakaki to focus on this subject in her art, she replied the following: “The choice of the sea as a theme is connected to the need of human existence to come into contact with nature, to relax and escape from everyday life. The sea for me symbolizes freedom. It becomes a canvas of emotions that mirrors the human soul.”
For Tampakaki, the Greek summer is about “the sea, relaxing trips to the beach, children playing carefree and adults escaping for a while from the difficulties of everyday life, relaxing close to nature.”
A favored student of the renowned artist Dimitris Mytaras, Pela Tampakaki carries forward his legacy of artistic excellence, infusing her works with the same intensity and passion that defined her mentor’s teachings. Her deep understanding of form, movement, and color can be traced back to her time under Mytaras’s guidance, making her works not just a visual delight but also a profound exploration of human emotion and experience. Tampakaki explains how Mytaras moulded her as an artist: “It is certainly a great honor for an artist to learn from a great painter like Mytaras. I was inspired by his work, and he provided me with elements and knowledge that were necessary for me to develop and create my own identity as a painter in my subsequent career in art. He was a strong supporter of colors and he liked a lot the way I used them in my paintings, so he advised me to keep the colours intense in my work as this is something that identifies me as an artist.”
Indeed, the colours in Tampakaki’s works are vibrant contrasts, working especially with the yellow ochre and orange warmth of the sand, against the refreshing blues of the sea. White shimmering light pervades one of her works in which a bather floats in the sea, next to an orange/red inflatable swimming ring. It’s as if she has abandoned its safety, in order to be encapsulated by the sea’s freedom.
Pela Tampakaki’s work is distinguished by her expressive brushwork and vivid use of color, which transport viewers into idyllic beachscapes filled with life and light. Her paintings evoke a sense of nostalgia and freedom, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the warmth and tranquility of summer days. Each piece reflects Tampakaki’s keen observation of human interactions with nature, beautifully illustrating the timeless bond between people and the sea.
This exhibition at Tsantilis Gallery marks a significant milestone in Pela Tampakaki’s artistic journey. Known for her ability to convey emotion through color and movement, Tampakaki’s works are a testament to her skill in capturing the fleeting beauty of everyday moments. From children playing by the shore to quiet reflections of individuals enjoying the water, her paintings offer a celebration of leisure and the simple pleasures of life.
About Tsantilis Gallery:
Tsantilis Gallery, established in 1925, is the oldest and most prestigious art gallery in Athens, known for showcasing contemporary art from emerging and established artists. With a rich history of supporting creative expression, the gallery serves as a dynamic space for artists to connect with the community and the broader art world. The gallery is honored to present Tampakaki’s exhibition ‘Eternal Summer: Moments by the Sea,’ and welcomes art enthusiasts and collectors to experience her vibrant interpretation of the season that never fades.
- Pela Tampakaki’s exhibition ‘Eternal Summer: Moments by the Sea’, runs 26/09/2024 – 06/10/2024.
- Opening Reception: Thursday 26th September, 7-10pm
- Location: Tsantilis Gallery, Sekeri 5, Kolonaki, Athens
- For more information, please contact Tsantilis Art: Tel. 210 3605337; info@tsantilisart.com; dimitrak@tsantilisart.com
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