If Liana Pattihis were not a contemporary jewellery artist, would she be an archaeologist, searching for ancient treasures, unearthing hidden ornaments made thousands of years ago? I bet she would.
It is not difficult to imagine her working in her London studio, discovering new ways to combine enamel with chains and creating pieces inspired by Greek-Cypriot tradition. That is why I cannot wait to see her first solo exhibition ‘Alysodemeno’, which is coming to the Benaki Museum from 25/04/2012 – 27/05/2012.
In the exhibition’s press release, she explains in her own words:
‘Alysodeméno’ – ‘Chained’, represents a body of work, a
journey in time which links pieces created from 2005 to today,
from my early experimentations with enamel, through to
‘Adapted Patterns’, a collection based on the simple schematic
linear patterns relating to various types of Greek traditional
aprons and costumes. The title ‘Alysodeméno’ is used here
primarily as a metaphor. The work not only involves enamel
which is ‘chain bound’, but also reflects a personal visual
language. As the future is inexorably linked to the past and
the traditional is tied to the contemporary, so is the strong
undivided link between what represents me as an artist
and my Greek-Cypriot cultural heritage.” Liana Pattihis
“Η έκθεση‘Αλυσοδεμένο’ είναι ένα ταξίδι στο χρόνο που συνδέει
κοσμήματα που δημιουργήθηκαν από το 2005 έως σήμερα. Από τους
πρώτους πειραματισμούς μου με το σμάλτο μέχρι και την συλλογή
‘Adapted Patterns’ -‘Προσαρμοσμένα Πατρόν’, εμπνευσμένη από
γραμμικά πατρόν Ελληνικών Εθνικών ενδυμασιών.
Ο τίτλος ‘Αλυσοδεμένο’ χρησιμοποιείται εδώ κυρίως σαν
μεταφορά. Το έργο δεν αφορά μόνο το σμάλτο που είναι ‘δεμένο’
με την αλυσίδα, αλλά αντικατοπτρίζει επίσης μια προσωπική
εικαστική γλώσσα. Όπως το μέλλον είναι άρρηκτα συνδεδεμένο με
το παρελθόν και το παραδοσιακό με το σύγχρονο, έτσι αδιαίρετη
είναι και η ισχυρή σχέση μεταξύ της τέχνης μου και της
Ελληνοκυπριακής πολιτιστικής κληρονομιάς μου.” Λιάνα Παττίχη
Liana Pattihis - Iris Stamens Brooch (2005). Copper, enamel, monofilament, stainless steel. Picture courtesy of the artist.
Liana Pattihis - Unearthed Necklace 01 (2007). Inspired by the unearthed gold of Troy, treasure item 101. Silver, 44 brass found objects, 1 silver plate, 2 fragments of a silver plate, copper, enamel. Picture courtesy of the artist.
Liana Pattihis - Kandinsky Reversible Brooch (2007). Inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s painting ‘Yellow, Red, Blue’ 1925. Copper, silver, enamel, stainless steel. Picture courtesy of the artist.
Liana Pattihis - Kandinsky Reversible Brooch (2007). Inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s painting ‘Yellow, Red, Blue’ 1925. Copper, silver, enamel, stainless steel. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
Liana Pattihis - 'Grey Kandinsky Brooch (2007). Inspired by Wassily Kandinsky’s painting’ Yellow, Red, Blue’ 1925. Copper mesh, silver, enamel, stainless steel. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
Liana Pattihis - Chain Brooch (2007). 4m of continuous trace chain, copper, enamel, stainless sSteel. L18cm. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
Liana Pattihis - 'Istos' Necklace 01 (2010). Inspired by the intricate lace on Traditional Greek Costumes. Silver light trace chain, enamel. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
Liana Pattihis - 'Adapted Patterns' Small Necklace 01 (2011). Silver chain, enamel. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
Liana Pattihis - 'Adapted Patterns' Small Necklace 01 (2011). Silver chain, enamel. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
Liana Pattihis - 'Adapted Patterns' Installation Necklace 01 (2011). Silver chain, enamel. Photo from http://www.pattihis.com
See you at the opening and thank you for reading!