Nohra Haime Gallery News: SOPHIA VARI IN CARTAGENA - December 4, 2011 - February 29, 2012

Cartagena de Indias, November 29, 2011



The Mayor of Cartagena, Judith Pinedo, the Institute of Culture of Cartagena in collaboration with the NH Galería are pleased to present a major outdoor exhibition of 15 monumental sculptures by the internationally renowned Greek artist Sophia Vari. After exhibiting in Paris, Monte Carlo, Singapore, Athens, and most recently at the Paseo de la Castellana in Madrid, the sculptures will be on view in the historic old town of Cartagena, from December 4th through February 29th.



This is the first time that contemporary international sculptures will be seen in Cartagena alongside the Colonial buildings of this old magical city. The fifteen monumental sculptures will be displayed in the main streets and squares of the historical district, such as the Plaza de San Diego, Plaza de Santo Domingo, Plaza de San Pedro Claver, Calle de los Estribos and Plaza de la Proclamación. They will be on view during the Music, Literature and Film festivals that take place during this period, thus bringing the visual arts in Cartagena to a new level.



Vari's three-dimensional work is characterized by its rhythmic movement of organic, undulating forms and controlled geometric lines. Its straight planes, and concave-convex shapes cast in bronze create a balance that is at once representational and abstract.



The complex sense of space and volume in Vari's abstractions play with the mind and senses of the spectator as the eye travels from one angle to the next. In La Danseuse Espagnole (The Spanish Dancer), 1992, the construction of soft lines and curves dynamically interlocked suggest a rhythmic movement of arms and legs. While the immaculate smooth finish implies the sensousness of the female body, the bright blue color in contrast with the black patina encourages the spectator to explore the flow of the dance.



The marked verticality and tension evident in the frontal view of L'Homme Qui Marche (The Marching Man), 2007, shows the soldier's upraised and erected body position. At the same time, the controlled, curvilinear shape in the lower part of the sculpture, when seen from a side angle, suggests the movement of a firm and synchronized step.



In L'Homme (The Man), 2005, adopts a more rigorous attitude. Its solid force, monumentality, and acute angles suggest a strong, masculine presence. When seen from the side, the composition appears entangled and chaotic in contrast to the harmonious equilibrium that its frontal view offers.



In this manner, Vari lends an unequivocal expressiveness and dynamism to the interplay of volume and space. This investigation results in forms that are monumental, exuberant, mysterious, playful and revealing.



Born in Athens, Sophia Vari attended l'Ecole des Beaux Arts, Paris, 1958. She has exhibited widely throughout the world, and has had nearly 100 one-person exhibitions at leading institutions including the Palazzo Vecchio,

Florence, the Palazzo Bricherassio, Turin and the Ludwig Museum, Kombletz, among others. Open air oneperson exhibitions have taken place in Paris, Montecarlo, Baden-Baden in Geneva, Pietrasanta in Italy, Athens and most recently in Madrid.



Ms. Vari has had one person exhibitions this year in Paris, London and currently in New York



OPENING: Sunday, December 4, 2011

DATES: December 4, 2011 - February 29, 2012

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ana Maria de la Ossa at 1-212-888-3550 / Gina Olmos de Trucco or Alejandro Frieri at 575-6640561 or nhgaleria@gmail.com