Pavlina Vagioni: Proteus Within

• Friday, Nov 17, 2023  6pm - 8pm Closing Reception
• Sat, Sep 9, 2023 - Sat, Nov 25, 2023  9am - 5pm On view

Sawyer Yards is pleased to announce Proteus Within, an installation by artist Pavlina Vagioni that will occupy the TANK Space at Spring Street Studios at Sawyer Yards from September 9 through November 25, 2023. There will be a closing reception on November 17, from 6-8pm. 

Proteus Within combines sculptural elements with kinetic light, optical illusions, and sound. Drawing from the myth of Proteus, the shape-shifting sea deity from Greek mythology, the work manifests a sense of fluidity and transformation. Through a dynamic interplay of light, darkness, sound, and three-dimensional forms, Pavlina Vagioni transforms the TANK space into an illusory sea, echoing the ever-changing forms of the mythical Proteus. Simultaneously, the work delves into the territory of the collective unconscious, pulling references from analytical psychology and Carl Jung's theories while rendering a commentary on the "Proteus effect" in our digital age—the influence of one's virtual avatar on real-world behavior.

Rooted in Hellenic mythology, Proteus Within builds a cultural bridge, promoting an enriching dialogue between Houston's diverse community and Greece. Spanning the conscious and subconscious realms, it links the individual to the collective, inviting a conversation between personal narrative and global mythologies.

Pavlina Vagioni is a Houston-based multimedia artist whose work explores classical myths in a contemporary context. Educated at the Athens School of Fine Arts in Greece, she is also a soprano soloist with a background in music composition. Pavlina maintains studios in Houston and Athens, exhibiting extensively across the US and internationally. Her work has earned recognition in international art
publications and books.