Ekaterini Koliakou
Born in Athens and raised in London multi linguistic and bubbly following abstract expressionism studies in Milan London Athens and New York popular exhibition list at serpentine gallery artists talk at the Royal Academy and arts and show my arts films at Whitechapel Gallery
‘‘It was and it is an art diary. A life story through art visualisation’’
Having been born in Athens and raised in London, how have these two cultural environments shaped your artistic identity?
In Athens I had my family who gave me all the comforts and advantages of education in art, history, culture as well as ballet and piano. So, when I found myself in London to study in early years and until now, it has it has had a big impact on my knowledge as a multicultural exposing me to new and thoughts, which radically changed my lifestyle and attitude. I work with images and music, and i has allowed me to create my own theory and practice of “Message Art”. Writing and text as well as colours influenced by music.
Your studies in abstract expressionism took place across Milton, London, Athens, and New York. How did each place influence your artistic development?
In Milan I studied conceptual art, in London figurative art and history of art, in New York abstract expressionism as an intern in museums and galleries, these were all factors that contributed to my style that I call Message Art.
What initially drew you toward abstract expressionism as your main artistic language?
I love Willem de Kooning, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Jackson Pollock. Plus the lifestyle of New York had a big impact on me and changed my attitude and way of thinking.
As a multilingual artist, does working across different languages influence how you think or create visually?
Somehow yes, somehow no. Still it’s me – yet comes from inside.
You have participated in artist talks at the Royal Academy. How does speaking about your work publicly affect your creative process?
I love that question. To be honest with you when they give a timeframe to finish the speech although I am a talkative person I always finish early compared to the other artists of lecture night. I have wicked humour that wins the audience. I love to be simple and not pretentious.
Your art films have been shown at the Whitechapel Gallery — what attracts you to film as an extension of your visual practice?
It was an event dedicated to short films where each artist presents their own work, working in collaboration with other artists. I was team leader of a group of artists and we all participated in a different way, with our own specialism: vocals, costumes, playing violin. We created a pantomime on the definition of the subject of expansion. I loved the collaboration and the bringing the artists together to express their own specialty.
How do you navigate spontaneity and control within your abstract expressionist works?
The control is something I learnt, the spontaneity is within me. I always use both as I try to create a positive outcome for my work.
Do you see a connection between your painting practice and your work in film and moving images?
In my mind they are equal the reality changes the technique. The technique gives reality to the art.
Having exhibited at institutions such as the Serpentine Gallery, how has your relationship with the contemporary art world evolved?
I was commissioned by the Serpentine with other artists, to create a pamphlet for the art of the community of Edgware Road in London. As well as featuring in the guide, I was very proud that one of my works was chosen as the cover. It broadened my horizons.
Across all your international experiences, are there recurring themes or emotions that consistently appear in your work?
Yes. It was and it is an art diary. A life story through art visualisation.
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