Australian artist Reka (covered here), now based in Berlin, has become recognized for the colorful and energetic aesthetic of his graffiti and paintings. The figures in his work have a variety of characteristics that are whimsical, yet bold and vigorous. His new body of work, “OLYMPVS,” on view at AvantGarden Gallery in Italy, continues to mix contradicting styles. Inspired by scenes from Ancient Greece and its Mount Olympus, Reka’s new pieces combine classical themes with a futuristic look. In poppy, vibrant colors, fragmented into Cubist compositions, he depicts bathing nudes, marble busts, and still life. As his subjects are drawn in layers of abstract, geometric shapes, Reka adds depth and dimension to his version of ancient Greece with soft shading. His images recall what we can imagine to be the excitement and romance of this historical period, specifically Hellenistic Greece, a time that celebrated humans, gods, and heroes alike. The exhibition spans fifteen new paintings on linen cloth, as well as two new murals that were painted nearby in the city of Milan. Check out more photos from the exhibition below, courtesy of the artist.
