'Piscina S. Moise Venice 2022', by Soula Mantalvanos Through a selection of oil paintings, sketches and etchings, Soula Mantalvanos will this month take visitors to the Queenscliff Gallery on a special journey through Venice. But not the “touristy” Venice we have come to know. Soula’s Venice reflects her own cultural heritage, travels and life experiences.
"My works are all drawn on location in various areas of Venice. These reflect a longer, more personal relationship with the city,” she says. “The colours are deeper, richer, less representative of that first bedazzled side of Venice, where you see just the gold bits.
“I'm familiar with the surrounds, the works are far more intimate and reflective of a richer experience.”
Soula is teaming up with renowned painter and print-maker Jim Pavlidis for a special exhibition at the gallery she owns with husband Theo, titled ‘Here and There'. And just a few days out from the show, she is still busily creating more pieces.
"After saying to myself, 'ok, that's enough, surely you're done with Venice Soula', all I can think of is being back there again. Venice satisfies my love for eccentric characterisation, it's a stage set.”
Beginning her professional career as creative director of her own design company ooi.com.au, Soula has previously exhibited at various Melbourne galleries.
Her love for both design and the visual arts is reprersented through whimsical characters, spiritual icons, building facades and streetscapes.
"And clothes lines! That's the face of Venice for me, sorry, no gondolas," she says.
‘Here and There’ opens at Queenscliff Gallery on March 16 and runs until April 9.
"My works are all drawn on location in various areas of Venice. These reflect a longer, more personal relationship with the city,” she says. “The colours are deeper, richer, less representative of that first bedazzled side of Venice, where you see just the gold bits.
“I'm familiar with the surrounds, the works are far more intimate and reflective of a richer experience.”
Soula is teaming up with renowned painter and print-maker Jim Pavlidis for a special exhibition at the gallery she owns with husband Theo, titled ‘Here and There'. And just a few days out from the show, she is still busily creating more pieces.
"After saying to myself, 'ok, that's enough, surely you're done with Venice Soula', all I can think of is being back there again. Venice satisfies my love for eccentric characterisation, it's a stage set.”
Beginning her professional career as creative director of her own design company ooi.com.au, Soula has previously exhibited at various Melbourne galleries.
Her love for both design and the visual arts is reprersented through whimsical characters, spiritual icons, building facades and streetscapes.
"And clothes lines! That's the face of Venice for me, sorry, no gondolas," she says.
‘Here and There’ opens at Queenscliff Gallery on March 16 and runs until April 9.
