Mosaiko

Art is Not Just in Museums & Galleries, it is Everywhere

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An exclusive interview with Mark Hadjipateras

Mark Hadjipateras is presenting a brand new show featuring  seven new unusually large sculptures and one large monoprint. This is being lauded as his most austere exhibition in terms of quantity, color and form.  “Borderline” will run until March 20th, 2010 at the Antonopoulou art gallery in Athens (http://www.aaart.gr)

Mosaiko.gr had the opportunity to meet with the renowned artist and discuss the inspiration behind this exhibition, as well as Hadjipateras’ biggest influences and future plans.

Can you tell us a few things about your art and your “Borderline” exhibition in Athens?

Borderline opened on February 16^th and runs through March 20^th. It’s comprised of seven large sculptures (about 7 feet high) made from fiberglass, metal and finished in tar. They have abstract organic elements as well as geometric, constructivist elements. The form seems familiar on one level, yet they defy identification. I think that due to their size and color they are forceful and imposing, but at the same time they seem to defy gravity, precariously balancing themselves and seem vulnerable. But it’s better to see them for yourselves!

How did you get started in art?

I’ve always liked drawing from the time when I was very young and later went to Art School. Initially I studied graphic design, but then transferred to Fine Art. For the first ten years I painted, but then started to do sculpture and photography.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I get my inspiration from nature, art, artifacts from all five continents from ancient times to the present, and also from children and from personal experiences.

Who are some of your biggest influences?

My influences are too numerous to list. They include Pop Art, Minimalism, Dada, Surrealism and popular culture.

What is next for you?

I have a show of monoprints that opens on March 2^nd in London, also scheduled for an  October 15^th show in Berlin.

What is your advice for young and aspiring artists?

Be aware that the field is highly competitive and also that it is very difficult to earn a living from making art. However, if you love it, and you have to do it, then persevere, work hard, don’t give up because of difficulties & rejection, believe in yourself and always be true to that. Also don’t forget that art is not just in museums and galleries-  it is everywhere, but you have to learn to look and recognize it.

Links:

http://www.markhadjipateras.com