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Despina Kyriacou
A Journey Through Nature and Urban Abstraction
In this issue of ICON by ArtTour International, we are thrilled to present the evocative works of Despina Kyriacou.
by Viviana Puello
Despina’s artistry transcends the conventional boundaries of fine art photography, inviting viewers into a world where urban landscapes and natural seascapes intertwine in a delicate dance of abstraction and semiabstraction. Her compositions are rich in texture and depth, capturing the viewer’s attention with a masterful play of color and light that reveals the subtle, often overlooked connections between humanity and nature.
Through her lens, Despina explores a philosophical perspective of the environments she encounters. Her works resonate with a deep reverence for the natural world while simultaneously provoking reflection on the impact of human presence within these spaces. Inspired by artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Paul Klee, she skillfully merges vibrant abstraction with a profound sensitivity to form, offering a viewpoint that is both expansive and intimate.
“Reflected Light Blue Orange Hues (meandering)”
In each photograph, there is a sense of immersion—a feeling that we, too, are standing in the serene landscapes or isolated urban settings she has chosen as her studio. Her creative process extends beyond the walls of any traditional workspace; it is as much about capturing a scene as it is about connecting with it on an elemental level. This approach gives her work a raw, unfiltered quality that speaks to the soul, encouraging each observer to delve deeper and search for their meaning within the intricate details of her compositions.
Despina’s work beckons us to consider our coexistence with nature: Are we merely observers, or are we participants in this delicate balance? Her art challenges us to contemplate our role within these environments and to see the world through a lens of both beauty and responsibility.
Enjoy this exclusive interview with the artist and immerse yourself in the thoughtful and inspiring journey of Despina Kyriacou as she shares insights into her creative world and vision for the future.
“Duality-Light and Dark” Photographic Print 5
CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR ARTISTIC STYLE?
My artistic journey began as a child, fostered by an innate interest in drawing and keen interest in my surroundings. This early fascination most probably laid the groundwork for my vision for the future.
My vision is rooted in the abstraction and semi-abstraction of my subject matter.
My photographic compositions are explorations of environments, whether they be fragments of a seascape or aspects of urbanization. I delve into the intricate relationships between color, light and elements of humanity, bridging the gap between us and the natural world. I encourage the viewer to engage deeply into my work, to discern the subtle interplays and connections that weave into each piece. The approach reflects my influences from diverse artistic mediums and figures like Georgia O’Keefe and Paul Klee, whose vibrant, abstract styles resonate with my own.
WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS?
My creative process can be characterised by a deep connection with my surroundings. My workspace is not confined within four walls: instead, it extends to
varied landscapes and urban settings that inspire me. These locations, often isolated and serene, become my studio for the day, offering an unfiltered experience of the environment I seek to capture. This immersion in nature and urban spaces allow me to focus intensely on my subject, with minimal distractions.
I like the relationship between colour form and elements of humanity, the link between us and nature.
My post production, conducted at home, is where I concentrate on the final capture of my pieces.
HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DISCOVER YOU WANTED TO BE AN ARTIST?
My journey into the world of Fine Art photography began in the diverse landscapes of Yorkshire, England, and the urban settings in London and wasteland areas of England. I started to observe these areas and record them using a large format view camera.
Looking at these with a philosophical eye. I then developed an intricate eye for these areas and the complexities of urban environments and the intricate beauty of nature.
This duality of influence could be said to be a cornerstone of my artistic vision, evident in my exploration of rural and urban spaces. My initial
- Despina Kyriacou
“Tangled Pattern” Large Format Photographic Print
“Curved Striation Band” Large Format Photographic Print
encounters with these contrasting environments during my time at art school was a trigger for my artistic vision.
WHAT MESSAGE DOES YOUR WORK TRANSMIT TO YOUR AUDIENCE?
I like to keep any messages transmitted to spectators open to their imagination.
If an audience looks deep enough into the intricate detail and composition, they’ll be able to extract their own philosophical view on my images related to the nature and urbanisation that I see. Sometimes this vision can be disorientating or uneasy, or sometimes self-explanatory, in terms of colour, shape or form.
Is our relationship more negative than positive? Is consumerism and excessive use of the earth’s natural resources gone beyond the point of no return: I would like them to look deeper into nature and think about our coexistence with it, the link between us and nature.
HAS ANY PART OF YOUR STORY INFLUENCED WHAT YOU DO NOW?
To an extent, although I am constantly tweaking or even changing what I am doing now, depending on the environment I’m in. Getting closer, in an almost ethereal sense, with the visual tools that I use (macro lenses), to enable me to see deeper, into my subject matter and delving deeper into it.
AWARDS, RECOGNITIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
- 1986 - Impressions Gallery of Photography - in York, UK. Awarded a commission to produce a body of work on the theme of, ‘The Sea and the Skylark’, followed by an exhibition by the gallery.
- 1988 - South London Art Gallery - Group show for the ‘Spectrum Women’s Photography Festival.
- 1994 - Water/Landscape themed exhibition: St. Thomas’s Hospital, London.
- 1995 - South Bank Photographic exhibition, entitled, ‘Home Truths’. Group show, London.
- 2002 - Won Bronze medal in Fine Art category, competition, London.
- 2003 - Battersea Arts Fair -exhibition.- own space within the fair, London.
- 2004 - Landscapes from Britain and Beyond. - one woman show: Riversidestudios, London.
- 2007 - Art Fair at the Olympia Exhibition Centre - London - my own gallery space within the venue.
- 2014 - Art Fair, Brewery Arts, London - own gallery space.
- 2017 - Publication for Lounge 2, Enter into Art, book - 6 images included.
- 2021 - Publication for the 1st Biennial of Art, one piece exhibited as a group show + publication in the catalogue.
“Two Tone Colour Palate of Light” Large Format Photographic Print
