An exhibition of paintings by a local artist, his first solo show, inspired by the natural world – its beauty and inspiration through resilience, constant growth and search for the light.

Aristedes Georgiou is a self-taught artist who was very creative from a very young age. He remembers being transfixed by book of Salvador Dali’s work, in particular the strange animals and melting clocks and at 10yrs old, he found his mind exploring and growing with ideas. He called this Mind Adventures

His passion and great ability continued through college and university with one teacher comparing him to Gianni Versace , because he would never stop creating. As Ari says, “if the teacher wanted 5 good drawings within a term, I would produce 30 or 40, it was a nice feeling, and I felt I'd achieved a mission”.

Lockdown found Ari working with oil pastels and a watercolour palette Inspired by what was around him he created works depicting flowers in a loose and impressionist style.

His recent body of work explores a more botanical theme. With a nod to Victorian botanical drawings and paintings, these works have a slight surreal aspect. They are inspired by and dedicated to his mum who lives with dementia. He observes “how the mind changes and evolves to being a child again” and “we must all grow together and appreciate what we have. Let's all live and move forward, never give up, just move towards the future and the light”. Human Metamorphosis.

Venue: The Gallery Cafe at St Margaret’s House, 21 Old Ford Road, E2 9PL (Plan your visit)

Access: step-free entry to The Gallery Cafe is at the rear, through the garden. It is accessible through the gate located two doors to the left of the cafe’s main entrance. If you need access to an accessible toilet, please let us know so we can arrange that.

Date: Tuesday 9th September - Monday 6th October

Time: 8.30am-5pm