Fey Papanikou : Amphitheatric orchestra
Amphitheater collection is inspired by the top view of the ancient Greek theater and conceived as a connection of architecture and jewelry art. The basic parts of it such as the orchestra and cavea (stairs, cunei) kept intact, create a unit that is repeated and involved in a brooch, necklace, ring or earrings. It is placed on the body sometimes conventionally and sometimes subversively to be adjusted to the human scale. This collection is comprised of ancient Greek elements and modern design, leading to an elegant result with subsistence even if basic design rules are not discrete by the observer.
Ancient Greek ἀμφιθέατρον (amphitheatron), from ἀμφί (amphi), meaning ‘on both sides’ or ‘around‘ and θέατρον (théātron), meaning ‘place for viewing’.
The design of each collection starts with the human body as a leading factor. Basic geometrical shapes are combined and repeated, creating a variety of motifs from which the final shape will occur. The biggest challenge is the communication and the harmonization of it with the individual. By noticing how the shape touches the human body and moves along it, Fey Papanikou leads to either dynamic, strict and linear shapes with the intention to emphasize on the characteristics, or to smooth, round and calm shapes that follow the body’s geometry and consort with it.
Influences by minimalist architecture, lines and elements that we meet in the natural or artificial environment, by changing their scale, could trigger the beginning of a work or a complete series.
Geometries
Fey Papanikou finished her studies in Architecture in University of Thessaly and started designing her first jewelry series in 2009, after attending the first jewelry construction courses in Athens. Her architectural background had an important influence on her aesthetics and designs by introducing clear, dynamic and geometric forms and shapes in the jewels. Since 2015, Fey Papanikou keeps her own gallery / workshop in the center of Athens.