CATAPHRACTS
Mirka Drapaniotou’s Cataphracts series draws upon the powerful imagery of Byzantine cataphracts—heavily armoured cavalrymen whose resilience and discipline were both a physical and mental triumph. These warriors embodied a unique duality: they were protected by armour that fused seamlessly with their bodies, yet they operated within strict limits on the battlefield. Drapaniotou translates this concept into her ceramics, where the inherent vulnerability of clay is tested against the artist’s command over the material.
FOSSILS
In the Fossils series, Mirka Drapaniotou delves deeper into the delicate interplay of fragility and permanence, continuing the dialogue initiated in her Cataphracts series. However, this new collection marks a shift in materiality and conceptual approach. The clay—earthy, rough, and granular—takes on a more robust, almost geological presence, evoking the timeless endurance of stone or ancient terra. Unlike the thin, delicate surfaces of Cataphracts, these forms are thick, solid blocks, not simply shaped but rather unearthed, pierced through in a gesture that mimics the slow erosion of time.
FLORAL DANCERS
Mirka Drapaniotou’s Floral Dancers series encapsulates the essence of nature’s balance through delicate floral compositions, drawing inspiration from orientalist motifs of lotus flowers. These works embody the interplay of fragility and resilience, capturing the natural movement of petals as they open and close, harmonizing with the gentle rhythm of life.
At the heart of this series is an exploration of balance—both structural and symbolic. Drapaniotou meticulously works with clay, pushing it to its thinnest, most delicate state, testing how much it can endure under her hands.
ARCHAIC TALES
Mirka Drapaniotou’s Archaic Tales distills the essence of Greek culture into ceramics, reinterpreting the timeless qualities of ancient art. This body of work draws inspiration from the strength and resilience of Greek architecture and pottery, bridging past traditions with modern sensibilities.
Her pieces reveal a dual nature, embodying both solidity and fluidity—evoking the stability of ancient structures and the movement of natural elements. Drapaniotou’s use of textures is deliberate and evocative, capturing the grainy touch of sand, the ruggedness of rocks, and the earthy essence of the Greek landscape. This tactile approach grounds her work in the landscape that has shaped generations.
