Skinny
Lives and works in London, UK
Skinny is a Greek artist whose work is a blend of the post-war Northern Balkans backdrop amidst the rapid globalisation of the Macedonian badlands of the early 21st century. Born or bred amidst the vibrant tapestry of Greece, Skinny's artistic odyssey commenced within the rustic confines of her father's near-ancient workshop nestled in Thessaloniki. It was there that she first encountered her father Dionysus fashioning tools to forge tools—an act born of necessity in the face of scarcity. Yet, amidst the humble beginnings, a spark ignited within her as she beheld the mesmerising dance of molten metal. This primal encounter laid the foundation of her deep-seated fascination with the alchemy of casting, a journey that goes alongside her exploration of the intersection between tradition and modernity and identity complexities. In addition to inheriting tools, Skinny also inherits the restless wind of her nomadic family, eventually finding a brief respite in New Zealand to pursue her studies.
Immersing herself deeper into the realm of heavy machinery and emerging technologies, channelling her focus into expanding her expertise in metal manipulation. Graduating with a Bachelor's in Design from Auckland University of Technology in 2021, Skinny's culmination of work was awarded with an installation at the National Auckland Art Gallery. Skinny has now settled in a London-based studio while frequently returning to her roots in Greece.
Her installations serve as tangible expressions of autobiographical narratives, inviting reflection on constantly changing layouts of the installations to harmonise with the unique contours of each space, room, backdrop evoking the intricate layout of Orthodox church interior while reflecting the delicate nature of nomadic travel. Her latest showcases serve as tangible expressions of autobiographical narratives that reflect on the ever-shifting arrangements within them. Each installation, meticulously adapted to harmonise with the distinct characteristics of its space, room, backdrop, or environment. Drawing inspiration from the intricate layouts of Orthodox church interiors, they also echo the ephemeral essence of nomadic travel, capturing permanence and transience.