WORLDART_Sotiris Molovanos_Clubmaster with a Butterfly

Sotiris Moldovanos

Photos

Bio

Sotiris Moldovanos (b. 1980) was born in Johannesburg and obtained a B.Tech degree in Fine Arts from the Pretoria Technikon (now known as the Tshwane University of Pretoria) in 1999.

Moldovanos focuses on painting, with a preference for portraiture and figurative work as subject matter. These figures, while anatomically accurate, are simplified and flattened to become outlines and silhouettes. He would often hide the figures, providing clues of its existence through the use of vibrant patterns reminiscent of op art and hard-edge abstraction.

In his recent work, Moldovanos incorporates bold flat colours with geometric patterns to create a sense of optical illusion. He plays with positive and negative spaces and blurs the lines between subject and background. The result is a surreal illusion where the viewer experiences uncertainty. This is extended with the use of realistically painted elements that are juxtaposed with the abstract patterns, offering clues to possible varied meanings.

The theme for his latest series, Sartorial, examines men’s style and fashion as experienced on social media platforms curated by digital influencers Posts showing personal style as well as sponsored posts are appropriated directly from its feed, re-worked and presented as an authentic experience. The confusion created by the abstraction and optical illusion presents a reflection of our experience when scrolling through similar feeds on our devices.

Solo Exhibitions • 2021 – Sartorial, WORLDART, Cape Town • 2015 – Nowhere. Dawid Ras Gallery, Johannesburg • 2007 – Figured-Out. Artspace, Johannesburg • 2001 – reveal. Spark Gallery, Johannesburg Selected Group Exhibitions • 2020 – Flatter (two man show), Johannesburg – Dawid Ras Gallery • 2019 – Psithurism, Cape Town – DAOR Contemporary • 2018 – Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg – Dawid Ras Gallery • 2017 – ART.B Gallery, Cape Town • 2016 – Young Collectors, Pretoria – Fried Contemporary • 2014 – Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg • 2013 – Twinning (two man show), Johannesburg – Dawid Ras Gallery • 2011 – 360° of Johannesburg, Johannesburg – Artspace • 2010 – PHIVE, Pretoria – Platform on 18th • 2007 – Kitsch at KKNK, Oudtshoorn • 2006 – Old School, Pretoria – Association of Arts • 2004 – Ten years of Democracy’, Johannesburg – Everard Read Gallery • 2004 – Brett Kebble Art Award, Cape Town • 2003 – Comfort/Attraction’ (Two man show), Johannesburg – Visual Arts Gallery • 2003 – Ekurhuleni Fine Art Award, Kempton Park • 2002 – kick-back, Johannesburg – C3 Gallery • 2002 – Absa Atelier Finalist exhibition • 2001 – Kempton Park Fine Art Award • 2001 – Fonk Art, Pretoria • 2000 – Art and the Body, Pretoria – Unisa Gallery • 2000 – Sasol New Signatures • 1998 – Sasol New Signatures Finalist exhibition

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