Between the Aegean light and sea
In 2010, Chara Sideri moved from Athens to the island of Mykonos where she works in the tourist sector. Fascinated by the unique light of the Aegean sky and sun reflecting on the sea in summer she specializes in abstract marine paintings. Chara was waiting for me at the port. During my short visit to her studio, I had the opportunity to see and learn more about her work.
SHARE THE PAGE
Q: What fascinates you in depicting the Aegean sea and the sky?
A: I wouldn’t call it fascination. I see my work as an exit to another dimension. Every time I feel suppressed from the island’s summer frenzy or winter isolation I open this door to a place where I find mental and psychological peace. Sometimes I seek my escape where the sea meets the horizon or the land. Others I dive at the bottom of the sea getting lost in the colorful fields of seaweeds moving lazily back and forward.
Q: In most of your paintings you avoid drawing a distinctive line between sea, sky, or land challenging our perception. Why is that?
A: My work is based on an abstract depiction of reality. I try to convey emotions not to create hyper realistic marine illustrations. I provide my viewer with an escape place where he can travel detached from his emotional and mental boundaries.
Q: Is there any reason your landscapes don’t include humans or animals?
A: There was a period that I attempted to include them but this wasn’t me. Also depicting people or animals alters the meaning of my work.
Q: In some of your paintings you incorporate gold or silver. Isn’t that a risky addition?
A: That’s true. I have seen many works of modern art where silver and gold embedded elements make them look kitsch. In my work I try to add them only where I feel it’s necessary, especially where I depict the reflections of the strong Greek sun on the surface of the sea.
Q: Many believe that self taught artists are a risky investment. What you have to say to them?
A: Art is a free expression of what each one of us carries within. In other words everyone of us is unique. Regarding the acquisition of knowledge on various techniques needs both from thought or self thought artists hard work and endless hours of experimentation. I dare say for the self-thought is even harder.
Q: For many years you have been an active member of animal welfare organizations around Greece. What triggered you to support animals?
A: I used to have a pet shop in Athens. I love animals and I will go on fighting for their rights as long as there are people out there that abuse them or abandon them on the streets.
#athinas
Become part of athina’s team! Share your works, enthusiasm and opinion about visual arts.
follow us
When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. For more information please read our 
EN_US 
DE