Andreana Cambanella’s “First Solo” exhibition constitutes a selection of paintings from her work of the last five years, since her return to Cyprus from her studies.

Even as a child, she was interested in the human form, so it was only natural that this would be the subject of her preoccupation, without of course ignoring the underlying challenge. This is because one must face the “Great Tradition” of humanistic art.

Her work has let, so far, into two parallel axies. On one hand, there are works that are characterised by a dialogue of colour and drawing. On the same canvas flat coloured areas coexist with acrylics as well as linear elements of charcoal. On the other hand, there is a series of large drawings with charcoal and inks on paper. On the later, the use of colour is extremely limited, while with texture and generally more elaborated forms are introduced. Thus, paradoxically we have painterly – drawings.

Another significant element of the artist’s work is the interaction of two or more figures and their surrounding space. The result is more geometrical, formative and “Fragmental” but even so, the human form remains distinct.

Her aim is to find a new personal and substantial way of interpreting the figure, and not adopting a certain style or art movement. In order to achieve quality work, a conscious effort was required in avoiding repetition of what has already been done or in order to disregard the ambiguities in the name of originality. Straightforward drawings from the model were her starting point on which she also based her more experimental approaches.

Frank Auerbach’s words express her belief that “ the posed human figure is the ultimate test and weakening source of a painter’s capabilities”.