NEW YORK, NY.- The Opening Gallery will present "Medusa Unraveling," a captivating solo exhibition by multi-media Greek artist Pavlina Vagioni. This enigmatic exploration of themes encompassing power, fear and protection presents wall-mounted works which delve into Greek mythology and various presentations of the Gorgon Medusa. Medusa's story, reinterpreted through various lenses over time, reveals social and gender dynamics influenced by prejudice and fear spanning from ancient times through to today. Visitors to the exhibition's opening will be able to engage directly with the artist and gain deeper insights into this dynamic mythical figure. The exhibit opening takes place on Monday, July 8th 2024 and both artist and curator will be present at the opening reception.
Pavlina Vagioni, Gorgon Amulet II, 2023. 31.5 x 29.53 x 1.4 in. Oil on handcut marine grade plywood.
Featuring wall-mounted sculptural snakes weaving in and out of circular motifs, indicating a swarm of activity guided by the artist’s deft hand, the exhibition presents disparate forms evoking the Gorgon’s distinct serpentine hair. Sculptural painted panels of varying scales and composition styles engulf the viewer, shifting focus from the contemporary urban landscape outside of the gallery and transporting the visitor into a land of Greek myth and legend. Vagioni invites viewers to contemplate both ancient modern-day expressions of illusion, questioning the fracture points in contemporary culture where appearance diverges from reality. Themes such as social media, artificial intelligence, and historical revisionism illustrate the stark contrasts between truth and appearance.
Pavlina Vagioni, Medusa IV. Mixed media on mylar, 24 x 36 in.
Running through August 10, 2024, "Unraveling Medusa" offers visitors a visceral journey through themes of protection and fear, following their illusory effects on society from ancient times to the present day and inviting the viewer to gaze toward speculative futures and emergent technology.
Pavlina Vagioni, Medusa III, 2023. Oil on birch wood, 60 in diameter.
Pavlina Vagioni is a Greek-born multimedia artist based in Houston, whose work has been exhibited in solo and group exhibitions in galleries and institutions across the US and Europe, including the Byzantine & Christian Museum (Athens, Greece0, the Hellenic American Union (Athens, Greece), Kappatos Gallery (Athens, Greece), the TANK Space (Houston, TX), Carillon Gallery (Fort Worth, TX), and Lawndale Art Center (Houston, TX). In 2024, she completed a public art project at the ION Building (Houston, TX) and a residency with the School of Visual Arts (New York, NY). Her work has earned recognition with contemporary curators and in international art publications.
