EXHIBITIONS / SOPHIA EGARCHOS

11.02.2010 to 06.03.2010

Tiny pieces of thread fell to the floor, shelves were filled with a rainbow of various colour threads, left-over pieces of colourful patterned fabrics were everywhere, while the sound of a thousand bees buzzing filled the room as rows of industrial sewing machines were in the different stages of the process of manufacturing a garment.

These are my childhood memories of my parents' clothing factory. From a young age, I was surrounded by fabric, clothing and sewing machines, observing the process of how pieces of material are sewn together to create clothing. This atmosphere still has a considerable impact on my life and, as most artists find inspiration from subjects, objects and interests surrounding their environment, it seems inevitable that fabric and fashion have integrated to become a significant part of my practice.
The surface or space of a painting is a concurrent theme in my work. Colourful geometric patterns are repeated and overlapped to initiate illusions of rhythm, movement and depth in a 2-dimensional painting. Sewing the surface of a canvas in the form of shirring and pleating changes the painted geometric pattern and diminishes the flat surface as dynamic and voluminous texture is created that projects from the bounds of the stretcher frame. This manipulation of the flat surface also alters the traditional appearance and the physical presence of a painting, as it becomes 3-dimensional and sculptural in form.
Sophia Egarchos is a Sydney-based artist, who completed a BVA with Honours in 2004 and an MVA in 2007 at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.

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