Overview
Painting exhibition devoted renowned late Cypriot artist Adamantio Diamantis
Committed to exploring and deepening the history of Cypriot art, the Leventis Gallery’s current exhibition in Nicosia is devoted to the renowned late Cypriot artist Adamantio Diamantis (1900-1994).
The exhibition focuses on prominent aspects of his work, under the general title “Agonies—Diamantis“.
The exhibition includes eight emblematic works which he painted between 1963 and 1977. The exhibition also includes the last complete work of the artist: the series ‘The Woman with Open Arms’, which he painted in 1983-84. It is considered the most representative piece of the series and of the long-standing period (almost a decade) during which he worked on this topic. In contrast to his monumental work ‘The World of Cyprus’ which predominantly features men, this series features women, emphasising their role as mothers.
The works reveal the artist’s encounter with historical events during the twentieth century in Cyprus. Considering the political situation on the island at the time, Diamantis considered that there were serious dangers that would not allow a lasting peace on the island. This provoked great anxiety in the painter, who had irrevocably bound his life and art with the people and the fate of Cyprus—this is expressed through this series.
Along with his anxiety about the future of his homeland, the artist expresses other personal anxieties.
Through the work in question, Diamantis attempts an important breakthrough in his artistic career, drastically renewing his artistic vocabulary. The artist, who for decades tried to remain independent, resisting new art movements in order to better serve the thematic content of his works, managed to keep up with the spirit of his era and adapt his style. It introduces expressionist formalities, intense formal and colour symbolisms and cubist references.
The exhibition runs until September 2018.
