Pavlina Verouki, through her engravings, invites us to explore the deeper aspects of the subconscious. Her works are filled with symbolism that composes a surreal reality, where her personal stories meet the universal human psyche.
Verouki’s “comfort zone” is reflected in the elements she chooses to incorporate, creating a familiar world. Her printing matrices work harmoniously together, while also functioning independently, revealing her inner anxieties and desires.
Pavlina Verouki’s artistic approach reveals a profound and personal world in which her art is characterized by symbolism and a connection to the subconscious. Each element in her engravings seems to carry a distinct symbolism that expresses aspects of her inner quest, as well as her desire for rebirth and transformation.
The feather that appears as a personal talisman symbolizes the inner effort for change, the need to fly toward the unknown, and the search for a higher purpose—like the phoenix rising from its ashes. This image embodies the power of transformation, the ability to regain strength and move forward.
Before deciding on each change, Verouki seeks her constants—the foundations that support her and provide her with security. These constants may be “tangible” or “subconsciously handcrafted.” Through the work “2 Solids,” which resembles rocks and symbolizes her “constants,” or foundations, she expresses this idea.
She makes the decision for change, sets the goal, and points to it with her finger. She indicates the path she must take. She guides herself toward the goal and becomes the “leader.”
Of course, when speaking about Verouki, we cannot omit her dog, whom she calls the “holy child.” She says that she feels safe expressing every emotion without fear, without filters, because there is unconditional love from both sides.
At the same time, the reference to the mother swallow, striving to care for her young, raises questions about the role of motherhood, the strength of responsibility, and the challenges of caregiving. The symbolism of the swallow as a mother is characteristic of this anxiety: the constant effort to meet her obligations to her young creates a sense of responsibility and fear of not being enough.
The sun truly represents life and hope, while its distance from the earth may evoke feelings of desire as well as fear. It is as if she seeks its light and warmth, while at the same time recognizing the challenges that such a pursuit may bring.
