Installation viewFalling into whispers and kisses, 2021, solo exhibition at CHAUFFEUR gallery, Sydney
At first glance over Bagaki's compelling works on paper, there lies a real sense of aesthetic hybrid - of art history, exoticism and imaginary reality.
The problem with all three is an historical one.
There is a strong conviction in the history of photography and painting demonstrated in 'Falling into Whispers and Kisses'. The exhibition draws the viewer, indeed allures them, into a discreet feminine discourse, a constellation of subjects that question representation, desire and taboo with genuine personality, humour and wit.
The work harnesses bodily subjects: natural or artificial. Whether animate or inanimate, they are imbued with a preconceived sense of movement. Carefully arranged, they are objects laden with the autobiographical and universal narrative of women.
The landscape, objectification and idealisation referenced, recaptured and parodied in the works is derived from the art historically and culturally manifest by men depicting women lying around or posing nude for exotic consumption, or imitating nature from the masculine perspective.
*Full text by Ben Gavin here http://www.chauffeurgallery.com.au/Eleni_Bagaki.php
Tzouli, 2020, acrylic paint & color pencil on magazine, 26 x 20 cm
No rush, 2020, acrylic paint & color pencil on magazine, 26 x 20 cm
Dance with me I, 2020, acrylic paint & color pencil on magazine, 26 x 20 cm
Installation view
It’s my turn, 2020, acrylic paint & color pencil on magazine, 26 x 20 cm
Wait, 2020, acrylic paint & color pencil on magazine, 26 x 20 cm