Christina Foitou is one of ArtConnect’s Artists to Watch '22

Christina Foitou’s visual work is based on the observation of the body and its parts, its kine- siology and forms of expression. She uses her body to develop and complete her works. This led her to use performance art as a medium, sometimes as a work in itself and sometimes as a complementary action to her paintings.

ArtConnect asked the winning artists to share with us a glimpse into their creative life to get a sense of their personal inspiration and artistic process.

How did you get started as an artist?

I get started with my studies at the school of fine art in Venice and then I’ve continue working on and participating at group exhibitions until my first solo exhibition took place in 2012.

How would you describe your artistic approach?

My artistic approach is based on the quick notes - drawings that I make every day, on the fast automatic writing that leaves the first traces on the painted surface and on the subsequent search for more specific figures that serve the composition and the idea that I want to convey

And how about what inspires you?

My artistic inspiration is based on observing the world and the situations that surround me. Each series of works I create is influenced by what emotionally affects me, inspires me, moves me…

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an artist?

My biggest artistic challenges to date have been my constant moves and changes of residence which each time put me in the position of starting from the beginning, looking for new networks, connections, places to exhibit my work.

Describe a typical day in the studio/wherever you make your work.

A typical day in the studio starts at 10 o'clock in the morning with lots of coffee, communication and social media. Around 11 o'clock I start painting either as preparatory drawings or as a normal execution of the work when the ideas have settled and a way of rendering them has been found. When I'm not working on a solo exhibition around 5 or 6 in the afternoon I stop working, but when I'm preparing an exhibition I start again in the evening after 8, 9 and continue as long as I can. The night inspires me and gives me absolute peace to devote myself to what I do.

Is there a medium, a process, or a technique that you haven't used in your work yet but would like to try out?

Definitely yes! And this is sculpture! I would very much like to find the time and apprentice a bit with a sculptor so that I can then incorporate this experience into my own knowledge and create some sculptural works

What are you currently working on? Or an upcoming project you want to mention?

This period I'm working on portraits! Extravagant portraits, portraits that I would like to break the mold and disintegrate from the perfection of the filter into the real wrinkle, the real emotion, the mental fragility, the truth that really deserves and fascinates when we are willing and able to face it.

How does it feel to be selected as an ArtConnect Artist to Watch?

I feel very happy and proud of this choice, I really appreciate what you do for artists and I did my best to overcome the shyness I always have when I have to talk about my work in order to answer your questions.

See more of Christina’s work

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