SOTIRIS MOLDOVANOS

Sotiris Moldovanos (b.1977) was born in Johannesburg and obtained a B.Tech degree in Fine Arts from the Pretoria Technikon (now known as the Tshwane University of Pretoria) in 1999.

Moldovanos focuses on painting, with a preference for portraiture and figurative work as subject matter. These figures, while anatomically accurate, are simplified and flattened to become outlines and silhouettes. He would often hide the figures, providing clues of its existence through the use of vibrant patterns reminiscent of op art and hard-edge abstraction.

In his recent work, Moldovanos incorporates bold flat colours with geometric patterns to create a sense of optical illusion. He plays with positive and negative spaces and blurs the lines between subject and background. The result is a surreal illusion where the viewer experiences uncertainty. This is extended with the use of realistically painted elements that are juxtaposed with the abstract patterns, offering clues to possible varied meanings.

“I set out to move away from the overly personalized nature of portraits to focus on deconstructing a more universally relatable identity through faceless figures, and explore a sense of depth and space through the use of unique textures and intricate patterns, which work to create and reveal different realities”

Solo Exhibitions

  • 2024 - On the level. WORLDART, Cape Town

  • 2015 - Nowhere. Dawid Ras Gallery, Johannesburg

  • 2007 - Figured-Out. Artspace, Johannesburg

  • 2001 - reveal. Spark Gallery, Johannesburg

Selected Group Exhibitions

  • 2020 - Flatter (two man show), Johannesburg – Dawid Ras Gallery

  • 2019 - Psithurism, Cape Town - DAOR Contemporary

  • 2018 - Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg - Dawid Ras Gallery

  • 2017 - ART.B Gallery, Cape Town

  • 2016 - Young Collectors, Pretoria - Fried Contemporary

  • 2014 - Turbine Art Fair, Johannesburg

  • 2013 - Twinning (two man show), Johannesburg - Dawid Ras Gallery

  • 2011 - 360° of Johannesburg, Johannesburg – Artspace

  • 2010 - PHIVE, Pretoria - Platform on 18th

  • 2007 - Kitsch at KKNK, Oudtshoorn

  • 2006 - Old School, Pretoria - Association of Arts

  • 2004 - Ten years of Democracy’, Johannesburg - Everard Read Gallery

  • 2004 - Brett Kebble Art Award, Cape Town

  • 2003 - Comfort/Attraction’ (Two man show), Johannesburg - Visual Arts Gallery

  • 2003 - Ekurhuleni Fine Art Award, Kempton Park

  • 2002 - kick-back, Johannesburg - C3 Gallery

  • 2002 - Absa Atelier Finalist exhibition

  • 2001 - Kempton Park Fine Art Award

  • 2001 - Fonk Art, Pretoria

  • 2000 - Art and the Body, Pretoria - Unisa Gallery

  • 2000 - Sasol New Signatures

  • 1998 - Sasol New Signatures Finalist exhibition