At New Blood Art, we like to spotlight artists on the cusp of gaining significant attention in the art world. One such artist poised for greater acclaim is Eleni Maragaki. This is a unique opportunity to invest in a rising star of contemporary art, whose work will undoubtedly become a cherished addition to any collection, given her trajectory and the increasing recognition of her work, now is the perfect time to invest in this exciting emerging artist.
We currently offer her pieces starting at £175, including exquisite lino prints and small ceramic sculptures.
Background and Education
Eleni Maragaki is a visual artist born in Athens, Greece. She studied Painting at the Athens School of Fine Arts from 2013 to 2018 and earned her MA in Fine Art from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London (UAL), graduating with distinction in 2022. She was a recipient of the prestigious Mona Hatoum Bursaries Award during her MA studies.
Artistic Practice
Maragaki’s work involves the creation of fictional landscapes, exploring the idea of observing and mapping nature in an abstract and exploratory way. Her prints aim to present the immense non-organic flows of life that constitute the landscape, such as mountains and seas, in a less human-centred way. The absence of humans in her work attempts to present the environment in its pure state of wilderness and solitude.
Her practice spans multiple mediums, including drawing, sculpture, printmaking, and video. She is particularly interested in the intersection of urban construction and the natural environment, often responding to the meeting points between these two realms.
Achievements and Exhibitions
Eleni Maragaki has received several notable awards and recognitions:
– Mona Hatoum Bursaries Award: Received during her MA studies at Central Saint Martins.
– Muse Residency Award: Recognised for her outstanding contributions to the arts.
– Tate Christmas Card Competition: Winner of this prestigious competition.
– Royal Society of Women Artists’ Annual Exhibition: Exhibiting at the Mall Galleries in June 2024.
– Wells Art Contemporary Annual Competition: Exhibiting at Wells Cathedral in August 2024.
Eleni has participated in numerous exhibitions, including:
– LUX Moving Image, London: A screening of her work.
– Art Station Dubulti, Latvia: A group show featuring her pieces.
– Public Commission for a Light Installation by Stavros Niarchos Foundation: A significant public art project.
Artistic Philosophy and Inspirations
Maragaki’s work is deeply influenced by her interest in Greek philosophy, particularly the concept of the ‘golden mean’ as explained by Aristotle, which emphasizes balance in life. This philosophical underpinning is reflected in her meditative approach to printmaking, which involves repetition, patience, and manual work.
Her designs are inspired by the landscapes of a small village in Peloponnese, Greece, where her mother is from. This remote part of Greece, characterized by a variety of natural elements such as mountains, seas, and forests, serves as a rich source of inspiration for her fictional landscapes. Maragaki’s work often employs an elevated, aerial viewpoint, referencing ‘Chorography’—a type of mapmaking that focuses on the impression of a region rather than precise mathematical depiction.
Sustainability and Social Impact
Maragaki is committed to sustainability in her artistic practice. She uses Japanese paper made from 100% alpha cellulose for her linocuts. This choice reduces waste and the environmental impact of the paper industry.
Her work also poses questions related to human expansion towards the natural environment and promotes sustainability, reflecting her broader social and ecological concerns.
Invest in Eleni Maragaki
Now is a great time to invest in Eleni Maragaki’s work. We have pieces available starting at £175, including beautiful lino prints and small ceramic sculptures. Given her trajectory and the increasing recognition of her work, these pieces are likely to appreciate in value. Don’t miss the opportunity to own a work by this rising star in contemporary art.
