In her sixth solo exhibition, the artist Anita Kalimeris presents a series of 14 works in oil that are manifestations of female identity and bearers of women-centric meanings.

Having developed a rich repertoire of abstract painting throughout her career, this time the artist turns to a strictly figurative representation of the female body, focusing on its beauty as well as its flaws and imperfections. Her paintings are studies of body type and structure; from the young, lean and athletic silhouette to the aged and neglected body.

Embracing the techniques of the Old Masters and inspired by them, Kalimeri reminds us of the importance of artistic skill and the absolute need to convey the true essence of existence through colour and technique. The preparation of the canvas surface with backgrounds in various shades (imprimatura), the induction of drawing and sketching in combination with grey tones (grisaille), the use of thin translucent coatings (layers) and the further painting of final tones and details in additional coatings, result in a composition of ethereal scenes that exude warmth and passion.

There is an obvious but deliberate juxtaposition in all of Kalimeri’s works. The realistic representation of all her protagonists contrasts greatly with the background chosen in each of them. Harmonizing with the practice of abstract art, the artist depicts all her characters in undefined environments. This disconnection, or – depending on how we experience it – this coexistence of the real and the imaginary orchestrates a dreamlike state in which her beings seem to defy all the laws of gravity, creating at the same time a different perception of reality. Unable to discern the place in which they are located, we observe them floating in the air or even suspended by an invisible thread.

All the women are real persons chosen by the artist for their unique and varied body and facial features. The careful and thorough depiction of every detail of the nude, resisting and refusing to submit to conditions of prejudice or shame, brings to the fore not only the grandeur and power of the female body, but also the relationship of each woman to her own body, the temple in which she inhabits, each defending it according to her own criteria and desires.

By emphasizing concepts related to physicality and the ephemeral, Kalimeris hints at a sense of vulnerability while, at the same time, her heroines radiate an intense emotional pulse.

Every scene seems to be mysteriously choreographed. Even when some of the figures remain still or are depicted in more relaxed poses, we strangely sense a hidden rhythm. The birthplace of this rhythm is the source of the light that dominates each work. It vibrates perpetually and extends to every corner of the canvas surface and beyond.

With light being a lifelong companion in the artist’s visual vocabulary from the early stages of her career, we realize its immense importance in her life and, consequently, the particular way in which she perceives and understands human existence. For her, light means the beginning of everything; it is where everything departs from and everything ends up.

The exhibition Unapologetic: apologizing to no one, is a testimony of the human condition, an exploration of the journey of the soul where our physical body is just a temporary stop, a brief moment in the cycle of life. Our symbiosis with it determines who we are and what we can become. Our spirit and soul are eternal companions, gradually revealing the deep meaning of our journey as well as the appreciation we feel for our earthly life.

Annita Kalime: Unapologetic

Text by Κostas Prapoglou

ANNITA KALIMERI
¨unapologetic¨
Opening : Friday 9 May 2025 , 19.30
Duration : 9 – 31 May 2025
Opening hours: Tuesday – Friday: 10.00 – 13.00 & 17.30 – 20.00
Saturday: 10.30 – 13.00

MARGINALIA GALLERY
Arch. Kyprianou 15 D,E, 2059 Strovolos tel..+357 99657080
Email: [email protected]
Website: marginaliagallery.com