Emmanuela Liagou: “Without painting I would not be able to bear reality”
Emmanuela Liagou: “Without painting I would not be able to bear reality”
Drawing inspiration from the urban environment and the animal kingdom, painter Emmanuela Liagou creates
powerful images, with deep meanings, that invite you to discover them again and again…
Do you remember the first time you drew something?
I remember being a toddler and just drawing. My mother, as an architect engineer,
he immediately understood my inclination towards painting and I started from the first grade
lessons, with teacher Giorgos Psarakis.
What materials do you usually choose to use?
Up until last year I was exclusively using pastels on paper. This year, after many
years, I paint with acrylics and oils, on canvas.
Who are your main influences?
I have been influenced by many artists, mostly foreign ones. My favorites are
renaissance painters and contemporary artists after the 1960s. Of course, I have been affected
and from my teacher at the School of Fine Arts, Yiannis Fokas.
While most artists now follow more minimalist lines, you
you stick to the design, with highly detailed and realistic impressions…
The design gives the convenience of being able to work everywhere, with humble materials and with
awesome detail. It is a challenge and I think the basis of all arts, of
painting, sculpture, architecture.
A large part of your work is dedicated to the animal kingdom.
What message do you want to convey through these creations?
The message I want to convey through these works is that man feels “small” in front of the greatness of nature.
In some of your works you depict people with animalistic features.
Is there any semiology behind them?
Yes. In my works with actors from Hollywood films I comment on the brutal relationship between couples.
People feel lonely and alienated within their own relationship. Unfortunately, the lack of understanding
and respect is a common phenomenon in most relationships now.
Besides the paintings, you also use leather clothes as your canvas.
How did the need to express yourself artistically and in this way arise?
Fashion is an area I have always loved. I used to forget the hours in clothes shops!
For me, fashion is sacred and clothing-accessories like a work of art. That’s why, after all, I choose well
materials and in this part of my work.
The idea started simply by digitally printing my designs onto mako t-shirts and from
last year I developed it into silk scarves, which are made in Soufli, the silk factory, exclusively in Greece.
Lately, my canvas has become my skin, where I paint with special materials, to withstand time.
Does the present condition – of confinement – help the creative process?
Has it affected you and, if so, in what way?
That’s exactly what happens! Painting helps me overcome the condition of confinement.
Without her I couldn’t stand reality!
What are your plans for the new year?
I already participate with Epsilon Art Gallery in Virtual Art Athens and at the same time, at the moment, in the gallery in Loutraki.
On Tuesday 22/12 a large group exhibition started at Roma Gallery in Kolonaki in Athens, at
in which all the partners of the gallery participate. Big names, such as Pavlos, Fasianos, Mytaras,
Zongolopoulos, Alithinos, Michas, Skylakos…
I am participating with two works from my new series and the exhibition will last until 31/01/2021.