Eva Merendes: making peace with our demons
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 Eva Merendes, a talented visual artist from Greece.
How did you learn about the project and why did you decide to take part?
I read about it on facebook. Although I don't believe in superstitions, the idea of being part of an international project that artists could create freely based on Greek folklore was very interesting to me.
What intrigued you?
Despite the fact that I usually create my works based on my personal experiences, through this project I had the chance to do something different. What intrigued me the most, was the fact that people from around the world, regardless of artistic background, were asked to join a creative process all together. In a way, they all present their own interpretation of the story. The story that is also presented in the film. And in this way, everyone takes part in an artistic dialogue.
How did you work the idea in your head?
I began the process by trying to organize a plethora of chaotic thoughts inside my head. I did a research on superstitions and I was impressed by the fact that many different cultures and civilizations share so much common characteristics, when it comes to stories like that. To me is just magical. After finishing my research on the theme, I studied the raw film material I was given by the production team, in order to have a better understanding of how they tackled the story. Then consciously I stopped thinking about it for some time. This time gave me the chance to let the idea ferment in my head. After a few weeks, I started creating a few sketches and experiment with different materials, to find out which ones would better depict the dark, scary almost mystical atmosphere of the story. After several failed attempts I decided to work with pencils.
What would you like your works to communicate to the public?
I would like to invite the public to a process of reflecting on their own fears. One their own superstitions and the way they act and react upon them. It is a call to take a look inside of us. Face our demons and try to make peace with them...
Why should anyone come to the exhibition?
I believe that all people should visit the exhibition because they will too have the chance to be part of the story and at the same time experience a project created by artists from all around the world, with different perspectives, cultures and styles. All revolving around one common theme. On top of that, it is also very impressive that WHISTLE became a reality based on voluntarily participation of all members. I believe it is a great achievement, people of all arts collaborating without setting aside ones creativity and free spirit.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by Eva, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
Eva Merendes is a Visual Artist and Visual Psychotherapist. Born in Greece, she lives and works in London for the past two years. In 2015 she graduated from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Psychology department and in 2018 she concluded her M.A in Visual Psychotherapy in Roehampton University of London. She has worked in elementary schools and rehabilitation centers. Art is an integral part of the life and work. She uses materials like pencils, inks, acrylics, watercolors. Her work revolves mostly around organic and experiential elements.