Niki
Nikos Karokis’ sculpture is inspired by and has clear references to the Nike of Samothrace. At the world-known sculpture, goddess Nike is presented in the form of a winged woman who descended from the skies while the strong wind creates ripples in her chiton.
The mighty wings of the goddess look ready to take her off again, while the representational accuracy of the work is remarkable. The female body is delicately outlined and exquisitely portrays the impression of a slim, damp cloth that both sticks to the body and flutters in the wind. This great work, which was probably used as an altar, was placed in an open and high place near a sanctuary.
Karoki’s work of art is a work designed to symbolize the athlete’s complete integration. It has been crafted by the artist to express the supreme moment of achieving a coveted victory.
Just as an athlete begins gradually and struggles steadily with great effort and sacrifices, so does the sculpture represent the path to justification. Success, especially in a team sport, is never a matter of one. Ten more players are needed, in good cooperation, to get the desired result.
Observing the sculpture, we can see that the upward course of the small winged victors steadily leads to apotheosis, while the base resembles a soccer ball. The material with which the artist worked his forms is inox, hard and durable on which light is reflected and frolics between matte and glossy surfaces.
The choice of the theme of inspiration for Nikos Karokis’ sculpture is well thought out. He studies in every detail what the sculpture presents and how it can be expressed through it. An optical stimulus, an emotion, leading to the desired effect and the creation of a fluid sculpture.
In Ancient Greek Religion and Mythology, Nike was the personification of victory, the dominance over opponents. She was the daughter of Titan Pallas and Styx. A timeless theme in art that usually appears with wings and holding a wreath or a palm branch. The artist depicted it in his own personal interpretation, instilling in it the female essence and the harmonious movement.
Marae Georgoussis, Dr, Art Historian,
Curator and Lecturer at the Ionian University,
Master I &II Sorbonne University, PhD Aegean University,
experienced at the Louvre museum.
Member of the Greeks Art Historians.
