Title: Key

Posted In: Painting , Exhibition

Duration: 15 January 2015 to 07 February 2015

Venue: Gallery Genesis

Location: Charitos 35 10675 Athens Greece

I didn’t quite know what to expect when I was invited to go and see Greek artist  Markos Blatsios ’ exhibition.  But as soon as I walked into the  Genesis Gallery  in  Athens  I was immediately captivated by  Markos ’ monochromatic, atmospheric paintings. Some parts are realistically painted while others are blurred, making the scenes and people depicted appear mysterious, eerie even. Are these images from a dream? Or a childhood memory perhaps?  Either way, each image is as if we have secretly opened a window into a dark room, and are now witnessing, unnoticed in the shadows, an event that was meant to remain private . In fact, the interplay between light and shadow is the main theme of these paintings, with the artist capturing the moment when something emerges from the darkness — the exact and fleeting moment when something is being expressed to others.

Markos Blatsios, Never say never; oil on canvas, 100 x 100 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Anyone; oil on canvas, 30 x 40 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, The end of a story; oil on canvas, 115 x 77 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Situation a’; oil on canvas, 89,5 x 90 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Starting point; oil on canvas, 90 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens. The exhibition is simply titled ‘ Key ’, because for  Markos  his images are like gateways to other places which can be ‘‘unlocked’’ by the viewer using their own ''key''. It made me think for a moment: what is MY key? What power does it give me? How can I use it to ‘‘unlock'' more experiences? As the academic  Theodore Antoniou  expressed,  Markos  '' introduces us to infinite, magical and unexpected worlds. He activates our fantasy and our minds. '' Although I was deeply moved by all of the paintings, I particularly liked the one titled ‘Never Say Never’, depicting a young boy resting his forehead against a wall, his shadow in a shape that reminded me of an angel! The whole exhibition is like a ‘shadow theatre’ of our deepest fears and desires, case in point the deadly axe that casts a shadow in the shape of a teddy bear, and the two hands that transform into two lovers kissing.

Markos Blatsios, If; oil on canvas, 73,5 x 89,5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Issues; oil on canvas, 56 x 70 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Information; oil on canvas, 50 x 70 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios,  It’s OK now; oil on canvas, 54 x 61 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Welcome back; oil on canvas, 60 x 85 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens. It was a real privilege to have been physically present in what is actually  Markos Blatsios ’ first solo exhibition ever, and to have discovered such an inspiring and talented Greek artist. If you are in town this week, don’t miss the chance to visit.  

Markos Blatsios, We will meet again; oil on canvas, 68 x 61 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, I know, you know; oil on canvas, 51 x 88 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios,  I see you; oil on canvas, 100 x 80 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.

Markos Blatsios, Inevitable; oil on canvas, 120 x 91,5 cm. Courtesy of the artist and Gallery Genesis, Athens.