The Gallery 45 presents ‘Conscious Mapping’, the solo show of Nicosia-based artist, Iacovos Loizou, in a pop-up exhibition at Baxter Garage, Limassol.
Opening on the 18th of October at 5 pm and on view until the 23rd of November. The exhibition is co-curated by Katerina Rebello Savvides (Founder of Memeraki Artist Residency) and Sanaz Nazemi Agha (Founder of The Gallery 45).
Conscious Mapping is the visual exploration of an innovative urban planner and artist whose work merges the realms of urban designs and street art. As a Cypriot researcher, urban planner and visual artist, Iacovos Loizou, operates in hybrid territories of art and urban design, intricately weaving urban planning symbols into his work while exploring themes and forms of expression from the digital age, pop and anime culture.
His work depicts strong elements of social commentary and humour. During his art residency placement in Hokkaido, Japan in 2023, Loizou became enamoured with vibrant Japanese street art and this influence is deeply woven into his artistic practice as he seeks to create urban environments that reflect the cultural richness and community engagement.
With an academic background in urban planning and design from the University College of London, Loizou brings a deep understanding of the built environment to his artistic practice, which arises as an instinctual and intellectual response to his surroundings. Beyond his artistic pursuits, he continues to explore the realm of urban planning and design. He is the co-founder of the OPU Collective, an NGO based in Nicosia that tackles contemporary urban challenges and a researcher at the Department of Architecture at the University of Cyprus.
Loizou has exhibited his artwork internationally, displaying his talent and unique artistic vision in Poland, the Netherlands, Japan as well as in Cyprus.
Curatorial statement:
‘Conscious Mapping’ serves as a reflection on the intricate relationship between urban planning and artistic expression, particularly drawing from the aesthetics of Japanese street art. This exhibition invites viewers to engage with the concept of mapping not just as a physical representation of space but as a conscious act of creating meaning and narrative within urban environments. Through Iacovos Loizou’s work, we explore how the infusion of street art can breathe life into public spaces, fostering a sense of identity, belonging, and cultural dialogue.
