Beyond the Grid: An Exhibition Preview of "Continuum" by Vicky Christou

Vicky Christou's structural paintings are composed of many layers of thin washes and thick impasto, which work together to form a complex grid with incredible depth. These structured paintings act as metaphorical images, wherein the outer layer suggests protection for the less visible and enclosed interior.

In this exhibition preview, we reveal an up-close look at the paintings in Christou's studio as well as some of the sources of inspiration behind the new collection of works for her upcoming show "Continuum".

For Vicky Christou, creating abstract paintings is a way of recording her encounters with nature and the built environment during walks around the city. She began to notice the light between tree branches and the light emanating from windows of buildings at night. The interplay of soft light at dawn and dusk with the surrounding environment is reflected in the delicate colour washes shining through the impasto paint above.

A second source of inspiration for her work is Christou's mother's crochet practice. She grew up watching the repetitive and rhythmic process of interlocking loops of material to produce textiles, and over time saw a fabric-like quality find it's way into her own artwork. "Generations of women in my family have been skilled in these traditions.  Often out of necessity, they sewed and wove their cloths and linens."