We recently connected with Spyros Prokopiou and have shared our conversation below.

Spyros, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

My artistic work resonates on a conceptual projects, transcending the superficial and decorative aspects of creativity. These projects are driven by the desire to engage with profound concepts and awake emotions. Over the years, I’ve used my art as a form of self-therapy, a means to confront and embrace personal traumas. This theme of personal exploration is reflected in my work.

My creative process revolves around the fusion of images to construct a visual narrative between form and deformity. Intricate and multi-layered compositions depict intertwining bodies, that are inviting viewers to contemplate the depth of human nature and the wholesomeness of the body.

While my earlier work drew from my own stories and memories, my recent projects draw inspiration from everyday life, modern culture, and media imagery. I borrow elements from the lives of others, creating organic compositions with blended figures that memorialize the events of individuals, keeping their collective memory alive. This approach serves as a conduit for exploring the depth and diversity of human experiences.

The complexity of these images mirrors the intricacy of the human form. Through more abstract and figurative compositions, I aim to explore the complexity of human emotions and states, and also, the internal struggles and external pressures we often endure in our exploration of identity, reflecting the multifaceted nature of human existence. This process challenges societal norms, while fostering cultural understanding. Disfiguration within chaotic compositions serves to deconstruct and reconstruct the figure, disrupting conventional notions of physical perfection and encouraging a reevaluation of societal expectations.

My intention is not limited to creating visually striking pieces but to incite profound questions and reflections in the minds of viewers.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

As a Cypriot artist who splits my time between Europe and the United States, I’ve had the opportunity to explore different art scenes and cultures. My artistic journey -in a professional level- began when I started studying painting in Greece. Soon after, I packed my bags and headed to New York City for a master’s degree, aided by a prestigious presidential scholarship, at the NY Academy of Arts, with a specific focus on drawing and printmaking.

I’ve been fortunate to showcase my art at exhibitions both nationally and internationally, where I’ve had the honor of receiving awards and scholarships, that have been an essential part of my artistic growth, supporting my creative endeavors throughout my career. You can find my work in both private and public collections.

My art has a strong emphasis on figurative representation. I delve into the intricate nuances of the human experience, using simple yet powerful mediums such as pencils, charcoal, and acrylics on canvas and paper.

Through my art, I aim to engage and connect with a broad audience, shedding light on the complexities of our shared human experience. My work is a journey from the island of Cyprus to the bustling streets of New York, and more recently, I’ve embraced the vibrant energy of Los Angeles; a journey that continues to evolve and foster my artistic growth.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

Attending Fine Art school exposed me to profound literature and influential thinkers that shape my artistic perspective. I delved into medical books, seeking inspiration from documented cases of mutations and bodily abnormalities. My artistic approach blends classical and contemporary influences, notably Michel Foucault, particularly with ‘Discipline and Punish’ and “L’Histoire de la sexualité,” insights of power, knowledge, and societal norms, as well as Slavoj Žižek’s unique blend of psychoanalysis and social critique also profoundly impacts my work. Freud’s theories on the unconscious mind and trauma are cornerstones of my exploration into the human psyche.

Film-wise, “Fight Club” and “Donnie Darko”, explore into themes of identity and the consequences of trauma, combine psychological intrigue with a surreal narrative. It challenges the audience to question reality, a theme that aligns with my work.
TV series like “Black Mirror” and “Euphoria” also challenge our perceptions of reality and the impact and complexities of social pressures in a tech-driven world.
I draw inspiration from Greek literature and poetry, such as “The Great Untranslated: O Megas Anatolikos” by Andreas Embirikos, who represents some kind of sexual utopia and universal celebration of eros.

Despite my engagement with these weighty influences, I also find inspiration in everyday life, particularly in the lives of others, often sourcing imagery from unknown people’s social media for my compositions.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on NFTs. (Note: this is for education/entertainment purposes only, readers should not construe this as advice)

Until recently, I didn’t really understand what NFTs were. I was so ignorant that I had to hit the search engine and read a bit about this blockchain technology. I discovered information about creators monetizing their work (which I must admit, I like the idea of), raised environmental concerns (which is definitely a downside), and the rampant speculation and hype (sounds a bit like the art world in general).

I’ve always felt that NFTs represent technology invading the world of handmade and traditional art, and that’s why I was hesitant to learn more about them.

But here’s the twist.

I don’t consider myself a tech person, but over the past few years, I’ve realized that my artistic practice benefits from using tech tools to create digital pieces alongside my traditional work. This has made me a digital art enthusiast.

I’ve been toying with the idea of creating digital art forms while I’m still in the midst of working on my canvas. As I create my pieces, I take snapshots at various stages of the work in progress. Then, I get creative with the images, using apps on my phone or iPad to play with filters, like mirroring. This process results in authentic digital art pieces that mesh perfectly with the philosophy and research underpinning my work. Sometimes it even spawns new ideas for future pieces or takes my initial concept in a completely unexpected direction.

As a young artist, I’ve grappled with the principles I learned in art school, but I’ve come to embrace the idea that technology can turbocharge my productivity. Nowadays, any tool that can help in the creative process is more than welcome.

I haven’t exhibited these digital pieces yet, as I prefer my showcased art to be tangible, with all the material textures and sensory elements that traditional art offers. However, it’s a shame that these digital creations have remained hidden.

This summer, during my European visit, I had a serendipitous meeting with an engineer who expressed genuine interest in my work. This individual offered to assist me in creating NFTs based on my digital art, bringing these unseen pieces to light and allowing people to own a unique part of my artistic journey.

So, stay tuned for updates and exciting developments!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.spyrosprokopiouart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spyrosprokopiouart/