UNTITLED

the trascedental iconography of Vaso Gavaisse's work

 

The abstract-like geometric paintings of Vasso Gavaisse bring into play a vocabulary of optical signs. They involve logotypes of multinational companies (i.e. Nike, Shell etc.) - sings of a globalised "united" world, new sings of an old mythology - and motifs, ornaments coming from various (in the sense of time - space) sources (i.e. Islamic, Chinese patterns etc.) - which although can be perceived as sings of archetypal and universal relationships can at any point be re-appropriated, carrying multifarious meanings each time.

From the juxtaposition of the above material she creates a multilayered surface scenario that employs the hybridised forms, which are re-contextualised visually by their repetition, transformation and combination, to create ambiguous reversible figure-ground relationships which demand the interactive engagement of the viewer for their decodification. Even though the elegantly render kaleidoscopic and hypnotic elements of her paintings remind us of religious pieces used for contemplation or meditation, the unexpected discovery of a commercial logotype transforms the transcendental and spiritual. It gives a feeling of irony that establishes connections with areas of painting of the end of the 20th century.

Furthermore by the mixture of the different narratives underling the above iconography she refers to the phenomenon of cultural hybridisation from the global and local impinging on each other and clashing, to simply peacefully coexisting. Through her interpretation she implies a space which is balancing between different situations all processed into a unique contradictory unity.

S.R

Vasso Gavaisse was born in Athens. She studied at Athens University of Fine Arts, at Chelsea College of Art & Design (MA Fine Art) and she is currently studying at University of East London (Professional Doctorate in Fine Art). She lives and works in London (UK)