Christos Tsibourlas' Sculptural Ceramics

THE ARTIST AND HIS TECHNIQUES

Christos Tsibourlas constitutes a fine example of the artist who has developed his art through the exploration not only of new fields of reflection that define the context of his work, but also of new techniques which redefine its form.

The formation of his aesthetic identity materialized through the painstaking study of the potential of his artistic media and the invention of new techniques: baking techniques with salt and soda, mineral salts, the use of a Japanese traditional technique, called Racu, are just a few of the means the artist has chosen to master his art. In addition, he has developed a his own, personal technique the use of which creates an impressive variety of textures on the surface of the material: metal, wood or stone. These effects are achieved by the use of woodfire kiln with flipped chimney, high fire (an invention of the artist himself). With masterful processing of his materials, he transforms his aesthetic endeavors and his personal visions into 3D realities, so crude and wise as nature itself.

 HIS WORK
 
The totality of Christos Tsibourlas' work constitutes a reflection upon the concept of everlasting, of historic memory, of the era of heroes, of epic simplicity, of evolution  -  ideas which materialize in simple, sometimes rhythmical, symbolic forms of Doric character, and materials which bear the quality of well - forged surfaces that became more beautiful through the course of time.

His work Courses (awarded with the 1st Prize at the 40th Panhellenic Ceramics' Exhibition in 1998) stands out for its monumental quality and firm design. It comprises a dialogue between two contrasting levels: the simple, doric base, which like the ancient Greek Atlas bares patiently the source of origin of all living things: an organic, biomorphic cavern, a "womb" which, unfolding, brings to light all the premordial myths.

His monumental piece of scuplture (both in dimensions and in character), The Descent of the Dorieis (International Salzbrand Keramik, 2002, Germany - International Greek-Italian Exhibition, Marousi, 2002 - Volos, Panhellenic Exhibition, 2006), has a hybridic quality. This is expressed through the combination of different materials (metal, wood, plexiglass) and techniques (drawing, sculpture). The work is quite inventive in composition: to avoid repetition, the artist substitutes the second wooden horse, by drawing a schematic reflection of it on plexiglass. The outcome is very impressive, revealing the artist's potential for experimentation. Having the concept of historic memory as an intellectual basis, Christos Tsibourlas has built his forms upon an intricate grid of curved and straight lines, creating a sense of rhythmic movement. The perpetual movement of the wheel - a dominant iconographic motif and symbolic form that runs throughout his work - the firm, crudely presented, heroic charioteer, who travels through history, the ephemeral nature of wood, tamed by the strong metal, all these contrasting elements take us to a world of inner struggles and great conflicts, like the ones that inspire people to write history.                     

The artist expresses his love for the ancient Greek history and art by transforming it, respecting its essential characteristics : re-interpretations of Cycladic statuettes' aesthetics through the use of new materials (Idols - 2002), innovative integration of historic moments into contemporary media of composition (The Descent of the Dorieis), transmutations of Homeric poems' images through the male / female archetypal opposition (Odyssey), evolution of the form of the ancient Greek amphora, etc.

Nevertheless, Christos Tsibourlas' work, is not only a nostalgic journey to a heroic past (Lost Countries - Award 37th Panhellenic Ceramics' Exhibition - 1995). He is deeply concerned with concepts that define the position of an individual within the community - like that of power: taken for granted but also quite elusive, and the conquest of power has always been a reason for conflict between nations (Man and Power - International Exhibition Salzbrand Keramik - 2002, Germany).  
 
Other times the artist creates pure forms that tend toward abstraction, which are, nevertheless, quite identifiable (Dolphins - 2004); they communicate with the viewer with a universal language, activating a plethora of associations through their pure beauty of form (Man, Woman - 2006). Works of art like Floating, Flying and Freedom unleash through their dynamic forms, energy that has an immediate effect on the viewer.

THE "EF OLIS TIS YLIS" ART - SPACE

His distinctions, his wide professional activity, his constant presence at national and international exhibitions (group and personal ones), and - most importantly - his creations themselves, reflect Christos Tsibourlas' artistic maturity. This, combined with a faith in his art, inspired him towards the creation of an art-space at Halandry - Athens, called "Ef Olis tis Ilys". It is going to be a free space for artistic expression. Mr. Tsibourlas envisions it as a place which, apart from presenting his own creations, is going to promote the work of artists from different fields of fine art practice (painting, sculpture etc). Part of the immediate plans of the gallery is going to be the organization of series of seminars by art experts, the creation of a library, discussions on artistic production etc.

Christos Tsiburlas possesses everything an artist requires: sincerity of expression, clear vision, inventiveness, respect for the past, and, most importantly, a vivid imagination that creates and does not reproduce.
My wish is for his artistic course to maintain the perpetual movement of his ceramic wheels and the best of luck in his new endeavor.                

Betty Hatzipli                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
Art Historian