NAGA: shaping the unworldly
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 visual artist and sculptor, NAGA (Natasa Helioti), from Greece.
How did you learn about WHISTLE project and why did you decide to participate?
Every day I search the internet. My eye caught the open call. It happened just as I was thinking of starting a new piece. I thought it was a great opportunity to re-boost my creative process.
What intrigued you?
I find it very interesting working on a specific concept and at the same time be able to put my own mark, my personal element into it. Working on a cinematic piece, that has a specific atmosphere and aesthetic and trying to combine this to my work was a challenge for me.
How did you go about it in your mind?
I studied the material that was given to me by the WHISTLE production team. Then I decided to present an unworldly atmosphere using a realistic medium.
What was your workflow?
I worked the idea in my head, a lot! That was the most time consuming part of the whole process. I like being direct. I want my work to be the same. Easy to read but keeping its magic at the same time.
Technique.
At first, I worked with clay and created its mold. Then it was time to decide the material that would best highlight the piece and create the right sensation. I used white polymorphic plastic. When dry, it gives a transparent effect, thus creating a monumental character to the final piece.
The idea of synergy. Many art forms, many cultures, many countries, one story.
It is very interesting to experience such diversity, watching all these artworks telling a single story. To see how each artist tackles the theme of superstition and how one's work is affected by one's culture.
Do you believe in superstition?
I would not say I believe in superstition, but I definitely enjoy the stories that are related to it.
Tell us a few words about your work and how it relates to the story.
My work focuses primarily, on the loss of the ability to speak. I consider this fact terrifying, as speech is the fundamental mean of expression. It is something I wanted to express through my work.
All the works created for WHISTLE project by NAGA, will be available to the public during the transmedia exhibition.
NAGA (Natasa Helioti) holds a bachelor's degree in Fine Art, University of Athens. She also holds a degree in graphic design. She has participated in many group exhibitions as well as one personal exhibition entitled "One is all and all is One" (2015). She works as a freelancer. She teaches design and sculpture and creates fashion designs. She likes to express herself creatively using a variety of applied mediums. Her artistic work focuses mostly on humanity, both on the level of a person and as a whole.