“Yassou, Yassou”
Southern Kindness Gallery
Houston, TX
October 2024
This exhibition showcases Papou’s unique approach to art, an exploration of her multifaceted selves, soaked in personal and cultural narratives. Each piece reflects her journey, blending bold colors and dynamic forms, evoking the essence of her Greek and Native heritage.
In this body of work, Papou embraces her creative freedom, painting with her hands dismissing tradition. This submerged connection allows her to express emotions and experiences that linger in the shadows, revealing the beauty within complexity. Papou’s subjects, often herself intertwined with Floridian wildlife, represent a deeper purpose: A seagull – presence, an alligator – madness, a chicken – the inner voice.
Speaking to the pieces that are known but unseen, her creations feel both familiar and contrastingly expressive, serving as a mirror of relatable personal experiences. “Hello. I see you – you see me."
Papou’s creations invite viewers to engage with their own inner child, a peek inside the window of self. Her art is not just a reflection of her identity; it’s an invitation to explore the dualities of existence—the light and the shadow, the playful and the contrast-reminding us to celebrate the many versions of ourselves.
"Yassou" is more than an exhibition of Papou’s perspective; it’s a journey of resilience and self-discovery, inviting all to say hello to the fullness of who we are.