“Echoes of Past Dreams” is a group exhibition featuring works by five diverse artists, each offering a unique interpretation of portraiture: Rowan Corkill, Michele Guidarini, Dayana Montesano, Marta Sklodowska, and Jaya Suberg. Through surreal portraits, black and white photography, collages, and paintings, these artists are transforming into captivating storytellers, creating narratives that resonate on both personal and collective levels.

Rowan Corkill‘s artworks depict the trees surrounding his home, alongside the tragic narrative of bird deaths caused by pollution. They evoke a profound consciousness of the interconnectedness between human actions, and their impact on the delicate balance of nature. 

Marta Sklodowska‘s photography channels the folklore of the Slavic culture, particularly through the figure of Baba Yaga, often associated with forest wildlife, exploring themes of mysticism, and cultural heritage. 

Dayana Montesano‘s portraits delve into intimate moments between lovers, intertwining erotic allusions with deeper explorations of human connection and desire. Jaya Suberg utilizes her own photographs and urban textures to capture the vitality of the moment, reflecting on the pursuit of meaning, and existential questioning. 

Michele Guidarini takes an irreverent punk approach, provocatively deconstructing myths, and global societal heroes with ironic wit, offering a satirical commentary on contemporary culture and its icons.

The age of the works, dating back a decade, adds an extra layer of significance to the exhibition, inviting viewers to reflect on the evolution of their dreams and aspirations over time. Viewers may find themselves inspired to compare them with their current dreams, gaining insight into how their perspectives and priorities have shifted over the years.

Overall, the exhibition offers an opportunity to not only appreciate the beauty and complexity of portraiture, but also to reflect on the passage of time and the changing nature of dreams, perspectives, and desires. It invites visitors to journey into the past while appreciating the present moment, and the enduring power of artistic expression.

Rowan Corkill, born in Scotland, centres his artistic practice on humanity’s enduring bond with nature and the rich tapestry of diverse ancient cultures and civilizations. Many of these cultures shared profound connections with the natural world. Rowan’s creations encapsulate a delicate balance between strength and vulnerability, mirroring nature’s inherent duality. Materials hold significant sway in the artist’s oeuvre, with a particular emphasis on ethically sourced animals and plants gathered globally through partnerships with ecological organizations and non-profit entities, preserved by the artist using taxidermy techniques.

Michele Guidarini, hailing from Italy, is a versatile mixed-media artist known for his dynamic exploration of forms and icons. His works exude a captivating irony, where themes of love and death, sorrow and joy, color and monochrome, drama and comedy intersect. Guidarini fearlessly delves into religious and political symbols, delving into their historical significance and contemporary relevance. Through his art, he eloquently communicates the timeless sentiment that “life is beautiful,” embracing the diverse spectrum of human experiences and perspectives.

Dayana Montesano, born in Rome, embarked on her artistic journey from an early age, immersing herself in the realm of visual arts with a boundless curiosity. Unfettered by conventions, she fearlessly delved into both traditional and digital techniques, weaving them into her creative tapestry. Driven by an obsession with dreams and the unconscious mind, Dayana delved deep into psychoanalysis, using it as a tool to unravel the mysteries of her inner self and the world at large.

Marta Sklodowska, a photographer and stylist from Poland, employs a traditional approach in her craft, intricately adjusting and printing photographs during the film development process in the darkroom. With a keen eye for unveiling truths, Marta strips away the masks from her subjects, offering viewers a glimpse into the hidden depths of our everyday existence. She deftly manipulates light, shadow, and color, skillfully balancing elements to evoke a spectrum of emotions ranging from beauty and romance to melancholy, dismay, and curiosity.

Jaya Suberg, a digital and mixed-media artist hailing from Germany, merges printed digital compositions with traditional mediums like painting, drawing, and collage to craft multi-layered artworks. The human form serves as her canvas, delicately rendered with subdued hues within an intimate emotional realm. Drawing inspiration from her muses, the subjects of her portraits, Jaya delves into themes encompassing the celebration of present-moment living, contemplation of existential meaning, and the nuances of solitude and connection.