Artist Statement
Born in Vereeniging, South Africa in 1969, Kleoniki Vanos’s perspective has been shaped by her experiences in a country transitioning from apartheid to a democratic society. Her Greek heritage further informs a philosophical approach to both her life and her art, bringing a contemplative depth to her work. Vanos uses photography to explore both the abstract and the tangible. While her abstract images carry a serene, meditative quality and aim to capture fleeting moments of insight into the unconscious, her work also encompasses landscapes, people, and society. Through these subjects, she investigates the interplay between environment, human experience, and the small details that illuminate broader existential themes. On her approach, Massimiliano Bisazza, curator at Statuto13 Gallery in Milan, observes: “A kind of spiritual enlightenment pervades the photographic work of Kleoniki Vanos. Ascension, transformation, and awareness — the change inherent in all of us exists only if it is the result of acceptance, not passive, but a proactive and necessary part of every individual.” Vanos has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions. Her work was notably included in the Ultra Color Collection at the Fifth Annual Exposure Awards, held at the Musée du Louvre in Paris, France, in 2015. Across both her abstract and documentary-inspired projects, she continues to explore the intersection of perception, consciousness, and the nuanced beauty of the world around us.
Testimonials
I have ‘Enter Into Rest’ in my private collection. It is one of my favourite mirror montage pieces from Kleoniki’s Creation series — Josie Borain – South Africa.
Kleoniki was part of the documentation team at Tankwa Artscape Residency 2019, in the Tankwa Karoo, a semi-desert in South Africa. I have rarely met a photographer with such passion and work ethic — Leli Hoch, organiser of Tankwa Artscape Residency. http://www.tankwaartartscape.co.za/
There are few unique artists around these days. It was so refreshing to see Niki’s incredible artwork. Personal, moving and venerable. Exceptional talent — Brett Florens – Netherlands. https://brettflorens.com/
Your work is truly inspiring, something different and you always endeavour to grow in your creativity. You have such a passion for photography and your images are testimony thereof — Elsaine Costerus-Mohr – South Africa.
Kleoniki is a photographer who captures both reality and fiction in each photo she takes. The version we want to see and the version that remains untold. Whether it be a photo of a landscape, portrait or abstract she manages to bring something more to the final image than anyone could — Cleo Valjeux – South Africa.
Niki is a delightful, inspiring, professional and truly gifted photographer. What strikes me the most is her talent to capture and paint with movement and light, as seen in my favourite collections “Live and Proper” and “Journey of Miracles”, where her passion and eye for details shine through. As a proud owner of two of her artwork, I cannot recommend her enough — Mandy Carpenter – South Africa.
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