Precious, a modern exploration of Pronkstilleven, is a collection of contemporary still-life paintings displaying the artists’ own collection of precious curiosities; shells and magnolias.
‘Pronkstilleven’ refers to a genre of Dutch still-life painting popular in the 17th Century. Deriving from the word (Dutch) ‘pronken’, meaning to flaunt or show off; or to prance. These works are characterised by their large and complex compositions including shells and tulips and the elaborate colour palette which they were painted with.
Sometimes described as ‘Ostentatious’, these paintings commissioned by their wealthy owners, displayed their personal collections of exotic curiosities, acting as a reflection of their lifestyle. The more ‘precious and rare’, a certain curiosity, the greater status or wealth one was said to have. (Oxford Reference.com)
In the case of this exhibition the reference of ‘Pronkstilleven’, is not to suggest the status or wealth of the artist in either monetary or class based terms, but to instead be read as a reflection of love found in the experiences lived with the precious curiosities in her hands.
Opening night: Friday 8 December, 6pm – 8pm
Artist talk/workshop: Sunday 17 December, 2pm – 3pm
Maggie Viaopoulos completed her studies in fine art, majoring in painting, drawing and printmaking. She furthered her academic studies in Archaeology and Art History, completing her thesis on Quattrocento (15th Century) Italian painting.
Maggie is a passionate educator teaching art in several primary and secondary schools across Melbourne. Her artistic style is characterised by her illustrative drawing techniques, use of line and a vibrant colour palette. Her artistic intention is to invoke a layered sense of joy, familiarity, robustness and harmony whilst honouring her subject.
Maggie is inspired by a diverse range artists including Mirka Mora, Wassily Kandinsky, Henri Matisse, Botticelli, Vermeer and contemporary artists Yvette Coppersmith and Troy Emery.
Maggie loves the beach and being by the ocean is where she feels her most authentic self.
