Artist Statement:

My work delves into the collective memory and unresolved trauma that has shaped Cyprus since 1974. The violent events of the Turkish invasion, the division of the island, and the emotional scars left behind are not just history—they are living, breathing experiences that continue to resonate with generations. In my exploration of this theme, I aim to create a dialogue around the ways in which memory, identity, and history intertwine, shaping both the personal and collective psyche.

Through the use of used clothes, marble dust, soil, oils, charcoal, and clay, I invoke the textures of memory and the materiality of trauma. The worn fabrics of old clothes speak to the passage of time, personal loss, and displacement, while marble dust represents the island's history—its ruins, and the permanence of suffering etched into the land. Soil connects to the earth, grounded in the land that holds both the pain of the past and the potential for healing. Oils and charcoal capture the fluidity and volatility of memory, creating works that are both transient and enduring. The use of clay symbolizes the fragility of identity and the effort to rebuild what has been broken, allowing for a tactile, intimate connection to the themes of fragmentation and restoration.

The earthy color palette I work with—warm browns, deep ochres, dusty greys, and muted greens—evokes the natural landscape of Cyprus, its land scarred by conflict yet resilient. These colors reflect both the trauma and the hope for healing, capturing the intimate relationship between the earth and the people who have been shaped by its history. The earthy tones ground my work in the reality of the land, echoing the physical and emotional landscapes of Cyprus: the ruins, the displaced families, the missing persons, the shifting borders, and the enduring hope for a unified future.

Through these materials and colors, I aim to give voice to those whose stories have often been silenced or overlooked. My practice seeks to embody the fractured narratives of those who experienced the trauma firsthand, as well as those who inherited its weight.

By exploring the theme of collective memory, I encourage reflection on the long-lasting impact of trauma on individuals and societies. Through my art, I hope to open a space for addressing these wounds, confronting painful histories, and, in time, finding a path towards understanding and healing. My art serves as a reminder that memory, both painful and redemptive, shapes the way we move forward as a people.