Title: Dalia After Degas 6
Year Completed: 2023
Size: Approximately 12 by 12 inches
Technical: mixed digital

Description
The following paintings show my investigations of the figure and space. They are made by merging observation and imagination. The design of figure ground is of prominence and is a reoccurring subject in my paintings. The figure and background define each an-other, and their union creates the composition. The paints and forms are played against each other as a reflection of this psychological relationship. In these series the models were inspired by the painting of Degas and Klimt. I always refer back to the master’s to move forward in my art. The paintings are also mixtures of my mixed media united in a digital platform.



Critical text review by Senior Art Curator Mara Cipriano
Nicholas P. Kozis, an experienced artist with a rich background in digital animation and fine arts, unveils a fascinating series of six works that skilfully blend classical inspiration with cutting-edge techniques. Kozis, whose career spans over two decades, has not only embraced the legacy of artistic luminaries such as Gustav Klimt and Edgar Degas but has also elevated their influence on new heights in his latest creations. In his six works, Kozis undertakes a profound exploration of the figure and space, seamlessly merging the realms of observation and imagination. The design of the figure-ground relationship emerges as a central theme, recurring across his works. The interaction between the figure and the background assumes a prominent role, with each element defining and shaping the other, culminating harmoniously in visually stunning and emotionally suggestive compositions. This series of works, composed of pieces from the "Dalia After Degas" and "Damiana After Klimt" series, showcases Kozis' adept understanding of the psychological relationship between colours and architectural composition. The fusion of traditional and digital techniques is masterfully executed, with a mixed digital approach that adds layers of complexity and depth to the artwork. Kozis orchestrates a dance between the observed and the imagined, paying homage to the timeless elegance of Degas and Klimt, with his personal interpretation of the female figure. In a remarkable sign of continuity with the great masters, Kozis draws inspiration from the female figures of Klimt and Degas. The influence of Klimt is evident in the rich symbolism, sensuality of the figure, attention to ornamental details, and depth of expressions and movements. Meanwhile, the four works inspired by Degas exude a sense of dynamism, capturing the essence of balletic subjects or the intimacy of everyday life that Degas immortalized in his art. Kozis' commitment to referencing the masters as a means of propelling his own artistic evolution is tangible. His engagement with the legacies of Klimt and Degas serves as a testament to his deep respect for art history, while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of his own creative expression. In conclusion, Nicholas P. Kozis' series is a testament to the artist's mastery in navigating the intersection of tradition and innovation. Through a skilful fusion of classical inspiration and contemporary digital techniques, Kozis invites viewers into a world where the timeless beauty of the past merges with the dynamic possibilities of the present. His works are a captivating bridge between artistic legacies and the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary art.