The Sianti gallery, continuing its original thematic exhibitions, has challenged this time, on the occasion of Athens’ largest annual art event, “Art Athina,” 21 artists to work on round surfaces. More specifically, the artists have crafted their compositions on round canvases of various sizes or have created prominent circular sculptures from glass, bronze, and metal. This form and shape were extremely popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. We are referring to the well-known “tondo,” derived from the word “rotondo,” meaning “circle.” It represents the perfect shape symbolizing the universe, the sun, the moon, and the planets, and it inspired painters such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Bronzino.

It is quite characteristic that in this artistic innovation, the artists responded with enthusiasm, as the round surface allowed them to reveal that art is ultimately embedded in human nature. After all, it is the ultimate symbol of the circle of life for humans and the cyclical course of history or the fate of mortals, as believed by Herodotus and Thucydides. It is noteworthy that in the circle’s shape and in the “cycloptic” canvas, all types of painting can fit: from the most realistic representation to the most lyrical abstraction, and from freehand writing to the precision of geometric shapes. From discipline to the most liberating gesture. In other words, everything! That’s why the way the works are displayed is intended to evoke the combinations of constellations in a nighttime sky in which the viewer also moves and travels!

Therefore, by actively participating in the biggest art event of the year, “Art Athina” (September 14-17, 2023), the “Tondo” exhibition continues at our gallery from September 20 to September 30.

Participating painters: Cacao Rocks, Antonaropoulos Christos, Valyrakis Giannis, Vatanidis Stathis, Giannakopoulos Leonidas, Koukos Dimitris, Lavdas Kostas, Lalas Thanasis, Belivanaki Lila, Papadimitriou Vivi, Papaioannou Christina, Selimas Vasilis, Siagris Panagiotis, Spartalis Angelos, Tolis Konstantinos, Fotiadou Sofia, Chanioti Dimitra, Charos Manolis

And the sculptors: Varotsos Kostas, Gavalas Stelios