Marievi Mastoraki: narrative is the great challenge of a static image
It's impressive how a single story can inspire such diversity through different mediums! Visual artists from around the world are taking part in WHISTLE project, in an attempt to present a multi-sensory experience never attempted before in the Greek visual art scene. And that's because we do not think of visual art as an experience that when viewed fades away, but as an excuse, a triggering event, a reason to produce an artistic conversation and a literal dialogue with everyone interested. This is the way we feel visual art should work.
In this short article we meet young artist, Marievi Mastoraki.
When I first saw the open call on the internet, I just read it out of curiosity. Then I thought to myself, why not give it a try and test my skills on graphic design. After I saw a short making of video, featuring actress Sofia Filippidou talking about the idea behind the film, I decided to contact the director, Thanasis Protatos. He gave me more details about the story. I was intrigued by the fact that an old story was brought to life in a modern urban backdrop, and still maintain its message.
For me, my artwork had to have a narrative character in order to work. In static images, especially posters, combining the visuals with narration is a big challenge. I chose to create two posters that are closely related with the mythical creature of the story. I tried to let the viewer decide about the narrative part by just presenting the most basic elements of the storyline.
I studied all aspects of the story and then drew some basic sketches, in an attempt to construct the final picture. It was a process during which I was constantly either adding or removing visual elements. I then moved on to the digital designing. I began with the intention to create a digital photorealistic painting in color, but the final result didn't satisfied me. So, I decided to try a method called "flat design" which works best for 2D imagery.
I studied all aspects of the story and then drew some basic sketches, in an attempt to construct the final picture. It was a process during which I was constantly either adding or removing visual elements. I then moved on to the digital designing. I began with the intention to create a digital photorealistic painting in color, but the final result didn't satisfied me. So, I decided to try a method called "flat design" which works best for 2D imagery.
My work is influenced by the movements of "Minimal" and "Bauhaus". I follow minimal to draw the shapes and silhouettes in a simple and accurate way, as well as the design of negative space. The Bauhaus movement is also very interesting, with the use of typography and color.
A trend we often find in modern poster designs, combines "Glitchy" with influences from Bauhaus, and Futurism. I try to make these trends noticeable in my works!
I create my posters in digital software using masking techniques. I create masks I later manipulate in such a way, in order to better serve the rules of visual communication.
I think my artworks speak for themselves. They communicate the general idea of the story. Folklore myths and dark stories of the old can be retold with a fresh and new creative way. There is a lot of raw material on the subject that can be utilized through collaboration between visual artists and cultural researchers.
Synergy and inter-connection is the fundamental idea behind this idea. It is very interesting to see all those visual artists from around the world, collaborating using different expression tools. Yes, we all have a common beginning but every participant has created a personal "view" of the story leading to a diverse and very productive creative dialogue.
Every person interested in arts should visit the exhibition. A wide spectrum of visual arts will be presented under the same roof and that is a great challenge by itself. Most of all, people should support this kind of productions simple because they promote creativity and give artists a chance to work on their field.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Marievi, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Marievi, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
Marievi Mastoraki was born in 1991, in Piraeus, Greece. She studied "History and Theory of Art" in the University of Fine Arts, in Athens. She has a MA in Design from Middlesex University of London. She continues her post graduate studies in Literature, in University of Athens, under "KORAIS" program, specializing in Folklore culture. She has worked as an exhibition curator. Today she is behind Project Folk Design.