Vancouver, British Columbia
Myths
8" x 4.5" x 3.5"
$550-- (Deluxe edition-boxed set of 8 books)
$60-- (Regular edition-each individual book)
To Purchase Contact 23 Sandy Gallery
ndextras@shaw.ca
www.nicoledextras.com
The power of ancient mythology lies in the imagination of the audience as the narrative is recounted. My choice of Greek mythology was driven by the richness and depth of the tales themselves. They are not purely morality tales but aspects of the individual’s dilemma between our highest potential and our weakest sentiments. The gods and goddesses of Mount Olympus are a potent mix of magical beings with supernatural powers guided by human emotions and temperaments. They were in essence the first superstars. They have much in common with our present day pop culture icons where celebrity status is the equivalent to the omnipotence of the gods. The epic tales recounted to us through tabloid media serve to feed our hunger for a separate self to live out our fantasy dramas but they pale in comparison with the complexity and potency of true mythology. Myths are first shaped through oral traditions and then passed down into the hands of artists who reinforce the hero’s legend through the repetitive use of symbols and allegories. I chose to relate the intricate nature of the stories by positioning my deities in a lush and theatrical environment and by letting the model explore the myriad aspects of the character they embodied. The accompanying imagery for each divinity is based on my photos of nature relating to various symbolic associations and architectural details taken at archeological sites in Greece.
Artist Biography
Nicole Dextras graduated from the Emily Carr College of Art in 1986 following her studies in graphic design at the Kootenay School of Art. Dextras’ artwork has been exhibited in Canada and in the US and her work has been featured in Canadian and American publications. Representatives selling Dextras' books include califiabooks.com and artsonatlantic.com
All images and text copyright the artist. All rights reserved.
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