Russia: Exhibition of sculptured paintings dedicated to El Greco
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Russia: Exhibition of sculptured paintings dedicated to El Greco

From December 3, 2014 through January 15, 2014 Russia will again welcome the internationally recognized sculptor, Nikos Floros for the celebration commemorating the 400 year anniversary of the death of the Greek painter, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco). One of the largest and most significant museums, the State Museum of St. Isaak Cathedral in St. Petersburg will host the exhibition.

A great honor for any artist and especially significant because Mr. Floros is the first artist of Greek descent to be invited to present at this historic Cathedral located in the center of St. Petersburg. One of the most significant museums in Russia, the Cathedral of St. Isask is recognized around the world and receives millions of visitors each month surpassing even the very famous Hermitage Museum.

For this exhibition, he has created two works inspired by paintings of El Greco; Nikos Floros utilizes a very modern material, recycled aluminum (specifically aluminum beverage cans) and with unusual creativity, produces original and exceptional works of art. The result is noteworthy and spectacular, exhibiting explosive dramatic density, expressiveness and radiance. With great reverence, Mr. Floros, interprets the geometric stylization and colors of Theotokopoulos while utilizing his own unique style. In this way, a dialectic relationship develops between the creations of the artists as well as the artworks themselves and the public. The sculptor created two incomparably beautiful mosaics of monumental proportions made out of more than 10,000 aluminum cans. Maintaining the otherworldly, transcendent and mysterious character of the works of El Greco, while achieving the impression of a painting.

He uses tiny mosaics of recycled aluminum to reinterpret two major and well-known works of Domeniko Theotokopoulos, “The Disrobing of Christ” and “The Resurrection of Christ”. Mr. Floros transforms a common everyday material such as aluminum, which characterizes our modern life, into something surpassing our imagination.

Nikos Floros commented that the invitation he received from Russia to commerate the 400 year anniversary of the death of this most significant Hellenic painter, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (El Greco) was a great honor but also a great challenge since these sculptural paintings honor El Greco while also expressing a great respect and reverence toward the image of Jesus Christ.

This is the first time that works of El Greco are reinterpreted through the lens of surrealism and popart, utilizing a very modern material such as aluminum, specifically recycled aluminum beverage cans. Thousands of pieces of aluminum were transformed by Nikos Floros into spectacular sculptural mosaics of immense proportions while respectfully interpreting the colors and shapes of this most famous and distinguished painter.

Culture and art are very strong bridges uniting peoples across the globe. This exhibition, as well as the two previous ones in Russia, support and strengthen the already strong spirit of Hellenic-Russian friendship which will culminate in the year of Hellenic-Russian friendship during 2016.

The opening reception of the exhibition at the State Museum of St. Isaak Cathedral will be held on December 3, 2014 and will be open until January 15, 2015. The exhibition is supported by the Ministry of Education and Religion and the Ministry of Culture and Sport of the Hellenic Republic and the Consulate General of the Hellenic Republic in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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