John Valyrakis presents expressive and powerful compositions depicting forms, faces and expressions that reflect his unique point of view. His figures stand still, they let go and lie down, or even fall into the abyss, in contemplation and expectation for the liberating summer breeze.

At times, the posture of the artists’ subject matter reveals a wistful longing for something perhaps lost.However Valyrakis' gentle brush strokes and vivid colours provoke carefree feelings, the sensation only a walk down a picturesque village of Greece can give you.

The artist approaches his theme with directness and a sense of clarity, offering a narrative which lingers between fantasy and reality. Inspired by the palette and sounds of Greek summer, he often draws scenes of people relaxing at the beach, reading their books, enjoying the sun’s dangerous kiss, bathing in oblivion.

Time seems irrelevant and the environment, even though not visible in the compositions, takes over, as it is reflected in the gaze or the body of the figures themselves. A glance at Valyrakis artwork triggers a trip down memory lane or a fantasy of a hot, indolent summer day. Just like the characters in his work are caught dwelling in their private world, so does the viewer follow the stream of his own thoughts as he is looking at those pensive silhouettes.

Read more on Artsy.