The Girl Next Door: A conversation with Fani Agisilaou about Intimism and Femininity

In her current work, the Cypriot artist Fani Agisilaou has shifted her focus to painting in order to explore the concept of Intimism, which illustrates personal and intimate experiences. Fani's latest series of works is based on phenomenological research that examines the subjective experience of an individual - in this case, Fani herself. In her art, she creates a blend of works arranged like a visual diary that speak of pivotal events in the life of a "certain girl" and her dual role as both an actor and an observer as these events unfold.

By consciously positioning herself as an observer, the artist who studied in the UK is able to gain a broader, more holistic understanding of the dynamics and phenomena at play. The resulting works not only represent a profound reflection of herself but also encourage the viewer to see themselves reflected in the art.

What does Contemporary Art mean to you? 

Who are your role models?

Fani Agisilaou: "I am going to refer to some of the living ones! I can say I have had many role models throughout the years but recently I have been really looking up to the work of Inès Longevial, Robin Frances Williams and Hope Gangloff. All of them are female painters and I love their work, each of them for different reasons. Inès Longevial work is so soft and bold at the same time. Her work often features simplified forms and flattened spaces, with a focus on the human figure, particularly female bodies, and they feel so personal from my perspective. Robin Frances Williams paintings are very powerful, I find them extremely unique. The way she explores and experiments with texture, flow and movement within the paintings is one of a kind. Hope Gangloff creates these bold and colorful figurative paintings and portraits, she features family members, friends and manages to capture the unique personalities and character of each individual. Her figurative style is highly expressive, and she often uses these vibrant colors and bold lines."

What vision does your art pursue?

Your artworks are mainly about women. What does femininity mean to you?

How does your art create a mouthpiece for female sexuality?

Fani Agisilaou: "As a female myself, presenting some personal struggles and triggering events that deal with family, romantic relationships and defining identity, consequently I present a part of that female sexuality. I also use one's personal space, the idea "home" for me is directly connected to the sexuality of a person. I guess what I am trying to say is that my art does not include any specific or direct message about female sexuality and that is indeed the whole idea about it for me. My work is most of the time like a puzzle or a storyline that needs to be intentionally put together by the viewer in order to appreciate the female sexuality behind it."

Can you tell us more about your projects for this year?

Fani Agisilaou: "I have recently completed a number of interviews I have gotten from some of my close friends. The questions are personal and will help me to create a series of portraits for each one of the characters. The project is called "womance" and it speaks for itself. Womance is often characterized by mutual support, trust, and respect, as well as a shared history and a deep understanding of each other's experiences and perspectives. It can provide emotional comfort and a sense of belonging, and may be especially important for women who may face a range of societal and cultural pressures related to relationships, family, and career. This project's intention is to take a step back and remind ourselves that the concept of womanhood is complex and multifaceted, and can be influenced by a range of factors such as race, family, ethnicity, class, religion, and sexuality."