The Optical Illusions of Beauty, Up Close and Personal

I believe that the intent of creating is an expression and touching someone who resonates with your work. I call for no limitations and for universal inclusion. -Dimitri Likissas

INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST DIMITRI LIKISSAS

Artist DIMITRI LIKISSAS From the artist’s archives — Artist DIMITRI LIKISSAS
From the artist’s archives

LES COULEURS: Do you believe art should be local or universal? You are currently creating in Greece.

DIMITRI LIKISSAS: I believe that the intent of creating is an expression and to touch someone that resonates with the work, therefore I vouch for no limitations and more for the inclusion of all (universal).

LC: Your pointillism is mesmerizing. Tells us how the technique came about and what it means to you.

DL: Thank you. My art has evolved from my earlier style which included the same single colored dot pattern with a superimposed subject, while today, the main element or subject coalesces within the pattern of labor-intensive, individually colored dots. For me, the pattern of dots serves as references to living organisms, atoms, i.e. the idea that matter is made up of discrete units. These patterned dots cohabitate in harmony. Many ask “Why dots and not squares?” because for me dots (circles) keep on moving and rolling, squares are restrictive.

LC: Thank you for supporting our charity, sponsoring arts education for disadvantaged children in Haiti and Mexico. What advice would you give our young Les Couleurs artists?

DL: It is my utmost pleasure and the least that I can do to support your charity. The advice I have for them is: to love yourself, as no one can love yourself better, why do I say this: in their situation, they might have many thought processes going on in their head and of course being kids, they are in their formative years and are influenced in many ways, to re-iterate: love yourself and believe that you are good enough, don't let anyone tell you things about you, just let that talk go ear in and ear out, believe in yourself, that you are good enough, have a dream, and pursue the dream, there will be ups and downs, doesn't matter -those are lessons, just have the discipline to keep working on your dream and eventually it will materialize. Find out what you like in life and make that your passion.

LC: What are you working on now?

DL: I am currently frantically painting in my studio to meet a tight deadline to show my works this season at Samuel Owen Gallery in Nantucket.