Julia Apostolidou

Divine
Oil and oil pastels on canvas
100 x 80 cm

Julia Apostolidou

Rejection is never nice, no matter in what part of life you experience it because it always feels so personal. As artists, we pride ourselves with our skills and our vision, something that ultimately becomes part of our identity. 

But in the past years I have learned, that rejection does not mean that something is objectively “wrong” or “off” about my work; its merely a nudge towards a different “right” place of belonging. Because if your work is based on your reality, then thats what it is. It is true for you and for someone else as well. Rejection to me is redirection- to a different place, that other someone, to whom it is truth as well. 

I hope that my painting can evoke the same feeling towards being yourself: in a world, that is telling you that you’re not “good” or “skinny” or “beautiful” enough- that you will always be exactly that in your own way. You will always be divine in your unique way and as long as you know this to be your truth, no one can say anything else about it. 

My participation in the Salon de Refusées to me means, to be exhibiting alongside other very talented female and female reading artists that are sharing their truths in their most vulnerable way. I love that, with this exhibition where we are being given a place to be seen and heard, is what connects us in our experience of creating unique art. It shows that it is worth to keep going and live our truths, because there is always a place for us and someone who shares the same vision.

– Julia Apostolidou

Julia Apostolidou,

a Berlin-based artist, boldly challenges the conventional narratives of beauty and self-worth in her latest piece, “divine.” This artwork, a fusion of oil and oil pastels on canvas, measures an impressive 100cm x 80cm x 5cm. Through “divine,” Apostolidou illuminates aspects of the female form that society often urges women to conceal or feel uncomfortable about. This rebellious stance against the male gaze and oppressive social media standards is not just a statement but a call for empowerment and self-agency.

Apostolidou’s work reflects a generational struggle, where the pursuit of unattainable beauty standards is juxtaposed with a collective sense of uncertainty and the yearning for an elusive “perfect” self. “Divine” is born out of this turmoil – a visual representation of the seeds & soil of our contemporary societal landscape.

Departing from her usual hyperrealistic style, Apostolidou embraces more intuitive and spontaneous brushstrokes in “divine.” This approach not only represents a personal breakthrough but also a challenge to the audience. By adopting unorthodox angles and perspectives, she provokes thought and conversation about modern beauty ideals. Her work is a testament to finding beauty in imperfection and the unfinished, urging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of art and attractiveness.

“Divine” is a bold statement in Apostolidou’s oeuvre, marking a significant departure from her usual techniques and themes. It’s a celebration of individuality and a critique of the societal pressures that shape our understanding of beauty. This piece is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersections of art, gender politics, and societal norms.