Through the eyes of an artist

The opening of an art exhibition took place at the Orthodox Academy of Crete (OAC) on Sunday, November 19, 2018, entitled: “Through the eyes of an artist”. The OAC’s General Director, Dr Konstantinos Zorbas, presenting Mr Fred Thoolen, underlined that the creator of the works is an ambassador for Crete and the OAC, both artistically and culturally. Dr Zorbas was of the opinion that the artist has studied and depicted the unique light of Crete, but that he also emphasises parts of the Cretan landscape such as the olive tree, stone and light as indicative symbols.

     Fred Thoolen, a graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in The Hague, learned to portray reality using various approaches, from Impressionism to Surrealism, among other techniques.

     During his stay in Crete, he was inspired by the atmosphere and surroundings of the OAC and he depicted these visual stimuli in paintings and sketches using various mediums (watercolours, acrylics, mixed mediums). In particular, he was inspired by the OAC Art and Language Programme, "Face to Face". The creation of a triptych, unveiled today, which describes the history of the Abbot Makarios, conveys the message that if we want to create in this world then we must maintain a dialogue, looking at each other face to face.

     The art exhibition will be hosted at the OAC for a few more days.