Chryssoula Demagkou paints human figures with vibrant colors that clearly fit into the kitsch movement, which we rarely see from Greek artists of the younger generation. The composition combines elements of art brute and folk elements reminiscent of Karagiozis, both in terms of forms and spatial arrangement. Demagkou is also distinguished for her perspective on the world. Her worldview compels her to create works thematically falling into three main categories: non-realistic situations, surrealistic situations for the pleasure of the mind, conceptual situations of heroes who suffer or are in adventure, as conceived in ancient Greek tragedy, and bittersweet romantic scenes presented with unaltered humor.

The kitsch movement refers to art that emphasizes exaggeration, kitschy aesthetics, and expressiveness with bold colors. It often combines with surrealist aesthetics and commercial success. On the other hand, art brute refers to artworks created by spontaneous, external artists, outside the traditional art frameworks. It’s about authentic and unprocessed work, uninfluenced by the standards of the artistic community. In Chryssoula Demagkou’s work, we perceive the influence of kitsch through the intense color palette and exaggerated aesthetics. The colors she uses highlight the human form and place it in a playful and eccentric environment. However, this kinetic aesthetic is rarely observed among Greek artists of the younger generation, as the trend focuses on more traditional and classical approaches. Additionally, the impact of art brute is evident in Demagkou’s work as she expresses her authentic creativity beyond traditional artistic standards. Demagkou’s worldview is highlighted through her thematic choices. Non-realistic situations, surreal scenes, and conceptual situations of heroes suffering or being in adventure are often the subjects of her works. These themes include elements of ancient Greek tragedy and focus on human existence and its complexities. Creating bittersweet romantic scenes is another way the artist expresses herself, evoking a sense of human relationships with all the contradictions that accompany romantic experience.

Through these various references and influences, Chryssoula Demagkou creates a unique and pioneering body of work that combines authenticity, aesthetics, and a variety of themes. Her art represents a recognizable and provocative cultural element in the contemporary Greek and international art scene.

–Paris Kapralos
Art Curator