“I use colors as phrases. Little colorful stories on canvas… I need to express myself through the art of images.”
A Journey Rooted in Greek Heritage
Magda Dimoudi’s journey as an artist began in Thessaloniki, a city steeped in ancient Greek and Byzantine influences that would profoundly shape her artistic direction. Her immersion in Byzantine iconography began in earnest under Ioannis Vranos from 1982 to 1984, cultivating a foundation in the stylistic nuances and spiritual symbolism of this ancient art form. The profound heritage and historic ambiance of Thessaloniki served as an early muse, sparking her desire to capture the interplay between past and present. By 1986, Dimoudi had expanded her repertoire through courses in painting and design at the Praxis Workshop, learning under Kostas Xanthopoulos and Vangelis Dimitreas, who encouraged her to explore diverse artistic expressions.
Later that same year, Dimoudi moved to Corfu, a shift that led her to new mentors and artistic inspiration. In Corfu, she studied with Nikos Zervos, a direct student of Konstantinos Parthenis, one of the leading voices in Greek painting’s modernization. Under Zervos, she explored innovative techniques, blending Byzantine traditions with modern Greek art. Her studies at the Art School of Corfu, guided by Spyros Alamanos, helped her refine a personal style marked by vivid storytelling and philosophical undertones. This breadth of experience led her to a distinctive creative path that combines ancient iconography with modern forms, enabling her to connect with audiences through both individual and group exhibitions throughout Greece and beyond.
Magda Dimoudi: Colors as Language
For Dimoudi, art is more than imagery; it is an essential language of color and form, used to express her innermost emotions. Her love for color as a vehicle of expression emerged early in her career, where she saw each shade as a “phrase” within a visual narrative. This connection with color deepened her understanding of art’s capacity to evoke emotion and tell “colorful stories on canvas,” as she describes it. Through vibrant and diverse hues, she explores themes of existence and the nuanced beauty of everyday life, creating compositions that are both poetic and relatable.
Dimoudi’s artwork consistently centers around humanity. By adopting a style that marries magical realism and hyperrealism, she bridges the mystical with the real. Her creations often depict the poignant, timeless bond between people and the natural world, capturing life’s interconnectedness with nature and the passage of time. Her work reflects her belief in the two artistic approaches she sees in the world: artists who serve as mirrors of their surroundings and those who act as filters, interpreting the world through a unique lens. Dimoudi aligns herself with the latter, translating her personal experience of reality into a perspective that feels both intimate and universally resonant.
The Essential Studio Environment
Dimoudi’s creative process unfolds in a studio filled with elements that inspire and sustain her work. Light is essential, as it enhances the vibrancy and depth of her chosen mediums—acrylics, traditional iconography pigments, and upcycled materials that lend texture to her pieces. This combination of media allows her to create works with rich layers, bridging Byzantine techniques with modern, sustainable practices. The materials she selects are carefully chosen for their symbolic and sensory qualities, adding a unique tactile dimension to her art. She incorporates found and recycled objects, creating a blend of old and new, and giving her pieces a sense of history alongside their contemporary relevance.
Dimoudi’s creative space is also defined by a soundtrack of music, a constant in her studio that provides a rhythm and ambiance to her process. This auditory environment helps her to focus, transforming her studio into a sanctuary where distractions are minimized. Each piece she creates emerges from this immersive workspace, where light, materials, and sound come together harmoniously, fostering an atmosphere conducive to both reflection and inspiration.
Magda Dimoudi: Homage to Artistic Legacies
Dimoudi’s work draws from an extensive range of artistic influences, with inspirations that stretch from ancient Greek mosaics to iconic figures in modern art. El Greco, Vincent van Gogh, and Marc Chagall are among her artistic “family,” alongside figures such as Georgia O’Keeffe and Frida Kahlo, who resonate with her through their bold approaches to color, form, and storytelling. She also finds kinship in artists like Hieronymus Bosch, with his fantastical imagery, and Rene Magritte, who brought philosophical undertones to surrealism. This blend of influences weaves together an appreciation for classical beauty with a fascination for the surreal and symbolic.
One of her favorite masterpieces is Leonardo da Vinci’s Madonna on the Rocks, particularly the enigmatic figure of the angel Uriel. Dimoudi is captivated by the composition’s use of light and the tender, almost ethereal quality of the figures. In this painting, she finds inspiration in the delicate harmony of color and composition, echoing her own approach to balancing realism with allegory. Dimoudi’s admiration for this piece highlights her dedication to exploring spiritual and existential themes through a lens that feels both accessible and profound.
In addition to her personal artistic journey, Dimoudi actively supports the artistic community in Corfu. Through her role on the Board of Directors of the Corfu Art Association, she has become a vital advocate for local artists, championing initiatives that foster creativity and artistic expression. Her vision for the future includes a project to paint the patients’ rooms in Corfu’s public hospital, a testament to her belief in art’s power to uplift and transform.
