About Alexandra Pambouka
Alexandra Pambouka (b. 1993) studied at the Department of Visual and Applied Arts in Florina Fine Art School (GR) and graduated from the MA programme “Cultural Policy and Development” of the Open University of Cyprus in 2019.
She is a multidisciplinary artist with a specific interest in the relation of humans to nature, tradition, rituality and sustainability. She tries to apply eco-friendly practices using a variety of mediums such as drawing, digital drawing and video, assemblages, upcycled textiles and objects, natural fibers, sewing and weaving. Since 2016, her research (theory and practice) focuses on basketry. Her MA thesis was about “The basket weaving and the reed-mat weaving, as elements of intangible cultural heritage, focusing on the prospects that can create a positive vibe for the society’s benefit, especially in Cyprus”. She took part in relevant workshops in the UK, Cyprus and Portugal both as a student or as an educator.
She works as an art teacher at a high school in Cyprus.
My work
Our modern societies, dominated by the relentless currents of consumerism and mass production, often place monetary gains ahead of the delicate equilibrium of existence. A frenetic pace pervades our daily lives, leaving us yearning for an alternative, for moments of solace amidst the chaos. In response, I resurrect the notion of the slow Mediterannean time (the time of philosophers and story-tellers) and the sanctity of slow processes, casting them as beacons of resistance to our harried lifestyle. These methods, inspired by the rich tradition of ancient handicrafts, hold within them the legacy of our intangible cultural heritage.
Amidst our turbulent times, my art seeks to offer a respite – a moment to reflect, to find solace in the midst of chaos. Through the process of upcycling, I perpetuate the neverending cycle of transformation that mirrors the world’s enduring history. The fragments I rescue from obscurity find new purpose, much like the stories of the world continue to shape our present. Through the convergence of past and present, chaos and calm, I seek to inspire a reawakening – a renewed appreciation for the beauty that emerges when we slow down, look inward, and honor the stories that define us.
