Angelos Merges: expressing what words cannot express
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 present the work of Angelos Merges, a young talented painter from Greece.
How did you learn about WHISTLE project and why did you decide to participate?
I heard about it through the career office, of the Athens School of Applied and Fine Arts. The whole endeavor seemed very interesting from the beginning.
What intrigued you?
I consider myself, a cinephile. Cinema as well as short films have always fascinated me. The theme, an archetype element introduced into the modern world along with scenes of a metropolis presented in an supernatural frame, were the things that got my attention. After all, I believe the project creates an atmosphere that resembles the films of Nikos Nikolaidis.
How did you work the idea in your head?
In cases like this, when I am asked to create a piece of art based on something very specific, ideas appear to me without any major analysis.
What was your workflow?
I always paint using digital images as a reference. Never by nature. In the beginning of the process, I chose a single frame from the film and worked on that. The sense of movement, as well as the cinematic aspect ratio of 16:9 work as a reference in the aesthetics of cinema.
Influences.
Despite the fact that painting is my main field of interest, cinema has indirectly influenced me greatly. The poetic of Tarkovsky, the heavy German frames of Haneke, the way Herzog approaches his themes are typical examples of elements that continue to touch me to this day.
Trends.
For the past thirty years, cinema has influenced visual artists intensely. Mostly, those involved in image rendering. I believe, I belong in this category of artists. Today, there are many painting currents that resemble cinema.
Technique.
My favorite medium is oil on canvas. For my work in WHISTLE, I mostly used pencil since it gave my more freedom presenting a narrative theme.
What would you like to communicate with your work?
In my case, I am trying to present a very emotionally intense moment. My primary goal is to deliver an atmosphere, a sensation to the viewer. After all, painting exists to express all the things that cannot be expressed with words.
The collective character of WHISTLE.
It is very interesting, the fact that artists from different cultural backgrounds, were asked to tackle a common theme. I also really like the fact that the creative team has uploaded video clips, presenting the process of set and costume production. I find it inspiring to watch visual artists working on a common goal, with such enthusiasm.
Why should anyone come to the exhibition?
Simply because the work of all these artists has a multidimensional approach on the theme. Presenting a great variety of styles and creative fields. The most important of all though, would be the fact that the audience will have a chance to experience an art exhibition, expediency and market free.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Angelos, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
Angelos Merges was born in Chios, Greece. In 2007 he moved in Athens where he studied civil engineering and in 2014 he began his studies in the Athens School of Applied and Fine Arts. He paints since childhood and he was always moved by painting. His work, relates mostly around human character. He deals with existential issues and focuses on the history and evolution of humanity, by challenging modern world views.