A triptych of oil paintings created for the opening exhibition at the KOLA cultural space (Limassol, June 2022).
KOLA is a former Coca-Cola factory, purchased by an international company and transformed into a venue for cultural events. Its opening featured exhibitions, performances, lectures, workshops, and installations. I was invited to participate in the exhibition, which became a significant moment in my return to fine art after a long hiatus spent working in game development without showcasing my work.
For years, I had dreamed of immersing myself again in painting, drawing, gallery life, contemporary art—something real, something alive. KOLA gave me that chance, marking the beginning of a new phase. While preparing for the exhibition, I created a series of paintings, including the triptych "Shunga."
This modernist series, partially abstract, partially kitsch and pop-art-inspired, draws from Japanese erotic Shunga art. I am fascinated by its plasticity, its powerful erotic energy, the tension of its lines and forms—all of which I sought to capture in these works.
This exhibition changed my life. I returned to working with tangible materials, actively engaging with galleries, curators, and fellow artists. Fine art became a significant and enduring part of my life once again.