The Centre of Contemporary Art Diatopos presents a solo exhibition by Alexandros Yiorkadjis titled Light from light, curated by Daphne Nikita. The opening will take place on March 7, 2025, at 7 p.m.

Alexandros Yiorkadjis’s central theme is the multidimensional nature of human existence and its relationship with the creation of “reality.” He adapts techniques, materials, and forms of expression according to each project’s subject, incorporating figures, psychosomatic expressions, and symbolic uses of materials, geometry, and color. His work is the result of years of research and considerable effort, with each piece representing a distinct state of being. Collectively, these works form a progressive exploration of universal truths and existential themes, engaging multiple layers of human experience—physical, emotional, mental, intellectual, and spiritual.

His aim is to create a journey through his art, raising awareness about topics such as belief systems, healing, and the expansion of consciousness—moments of breakthrough crystallized in physical form. Most pieces comprise multiple sculptures that come together to form a single work, embedding numerous layers of information and inviting diverse interpretations. Some emerge from bursts of energy after long periods of introspection, while others develop over time through extensive exploration and transformation. In parallel with these large-scale projects, he also investigates creative expression via immersive interactive installations, smaller clay works, paintings, photography, poetry, and other experimental art forms.

The exhibition Light from Light is inspired by the theme of Resurrection: the perishable—constantly changing—and the imperishable—inconceivable and immutable. It also examines the idea of “enlightenment,” associating the mind with consciousness and “speech” with thought and linguistic expression. A significant portion of the new works is influenced by a piece on the theme of the Crucifixion, titled Chiodi sul legno (Nails on wood). In this work, inspired by Orthodox iconography, the figure is formed from nails on gilded wood. Gold symbolizes spirituality, purity, and permanence, while nails represent the material and quantifiable. Despite the work’s figurative character, it also provides a conceptual exploration of the perishable and the imperishable.

The new works focus on the Resurrection, ascension, positive depictions of Christ, and concepts such as “unconditional love” and “Divine Grace.”

The association of light with consciousness is illustrated by two works from 2008, shown for the first time in Cyprus. One is titled Intellect, in which the material world is represented by a column made of soil surmounted by a golden brain. In the subsequent piece, Connection, the brain is transparent and illuminated, existing in a space that seeks to transcend boundaries and depict an expanded state of consciousness. Intellect focuses on the intellect, while Connection addresses the broader theme of consciousness. Overall, the exhibition recalls the idea of spiritual ascension and invites viewers to contemplate their personal relationship with the concept of Resurrection.

Born in Nicosia in 1981, where he currently lives and works, Yiorkadjis began art lessons at the age of eight with the sculptor Christos Simeonidis. He continued his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts in Perugia and Bologna. While in Bologna, he held his first solo exhibition at the Art Synergy gallery, supported by the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts, as part of the Bologna Art Fair. In the same year, he received the First National Sculpture Prize (Premio Nazionale delle Arti) from the Italian Ministry of Education in Rome for his work conflitto.

He has exhibited in “tinaB,” the Prague Contemporary Art Festival; “umano,” International Film Festival Night 9th edition in Bologna; and “Stilelibero Italiano” at Studio d’arte Cannaviello in Milan. In 2011, he graduated with honors from the Academy of Fine Arts of Bologna. His thesis, documento essere umano, and the sculpture documento were selected from among those receiving honors in the previous decade and exhibited at the 54th Venice Biennale “State of the Arts” at the Arsenale, Tese di San Cristoforo.

In 2013, he held his first solo show in Cyprus at Alpha C.K. Art Gallery. In 2014, he was invited for a solo exhibition titled Harmony and Contrast at the sculpture museum Il Cassero per la Scultura Italiana dell’ottocento e del Novecento. In 2015, he participated in the international design exhibition Salone del Mobile in Milan with the Barbara Friggerio Gallery, and in 2016, he took part in the Art-Athina International Contemporary Art Fair. In 2018, he participated in the 16th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in the Cypriot pavilion, I am where you are, as well as in the first Larnaca Biennale, where he won first prize. From 2018 to 2024, he created four monumental sculptures; Vibrational ego trip is part of the exhibition Casts of an island 2024 in Limassol. He also participated in the 60th Venice International Art Biennale, representing the national pavilion of Cameroon. His works are included in public and private collections in Italy, Romania, Hungary, Albania, Germany, Colombia, and Cyprus.