Christopher Theofanous

Bachelor of Fine Arts (Drawing & Printmaking)

I am preoccupied with oil painting in a Eurocentric fashion, ranging from El Greco to Markus Lüpertz. The subjectivity that I deign to exist within the spiritual windows of canvas are often Grecian, Italian and Dutch painting motifs of decadent ornamentation. This purposely selected subjectivity is painted with loose unorthodox colouring, creating a union with current consumerist icons. Furthermore, the use of this vibrant colouring is to materialise the self-anointed psyche of the object only accessible through phenomenology. These concerns are derived from a childhood practice of depending on Greek Orthodox religious icons for guidance—which has ultimately resulted in being conscious of a curious mirroring of Byzantine-like sentiments via acknowledging the allure of devotional imagery. As a result, what manifests in the paintings ranges from high fashion fragrances to Peter Greenaway films and even the coronation regalia worn by Louis XIV.