"Be Nice." On the surface, it seems like a simple suggestion, a lesson we’ve all heard countless times growing up. But when viewed through the lens of Agni Zotis' latest exhibition, Be Nice, this phrase takes on a deeper, almost transcendent meaning. As an artist hailing from Queens with Greek roots, Zotis has spent years cultivating an artistic practice that defies boundaries, blending raw emotion with creative rigor to produce works that feel both intensely personal and universally resonant.
Presented by Project 301, Be Nice is a multi-sensory experience that invites viewers into the depths of Zotis' world—one that is constantly evolving, ever-changing, and alive with the energetic push and pull of life’s extremes. The pieces in this solo exhibition feel like an exploration of the cosmos itself—colliding forces, creation, destruction, and rebirth—all brought to life with bold color combinations and fluid, poetic movements that captivate and challenge the mind.
Zotis herself describes Be Nice as a body of work rooted in "primordial, essential behaviors"—the most fundamental moments in the universe’s existence, such as the fusion of sperm and egg, the coming together of two forces to create life. In her own words, Be Nice is about "merging of the sperm and the egg, colliding universes—to create, to manifest…" This theme of creation, birth, and rebirth is woven throughout the exhibit, with each piece acting as a visual narrative of these sacred, universal moments.
The paintings themselves are a masterful balance of dynamic patterns and vivid hues, seemingly alive as they interact with one another. Some colors surge forward, while others retreat, creating a fascinating, almost tangible push-and-pull effect. These interactions aren't just artistic choices—they are deeply influenced by Zotis' unique painting process, which takes place outdoors. She doesn't shy away from exposing her work to the elements; in fact, she embraces it. The natural world plays a role in the creation of each painting. "The way the paint dries under the intense heat of the sun… some of the paintings even got rained on," Zotis says. This interaction with nature allows the artwork to take on a life of its own, influenced by the weather, the atmosphere, and the energy around it.
The exhibit takes this immersion a step further when Zotis introduces black lights into the space. As the gallery lights dim and the black lights come to life, the colors in the paintings undergo a transformation, illuminating the canvases in an almost magical way. This use of light reveals hidden dimensions of the work, inviting viewers to look deeper, to lose themselves in the swirling colors and electric movements. Pieces like Ring of Fire become electrifying in the black light, pulling viewers into their hypnotic glow, enhancing the sense that they are witnessing something both ancient and new—something beyond the ordinary.
Despite the energetic explosion of color and the complex layers within the work, there is a certain simplicity at the core of Be Nice. It's an exhibition that speaks to the heart, evoking the innocence of creation and the unspoken truths of existence. Zotis, in her signature style, brings a gentle, smiling rebuttal to preconceived notions of what it means to be human. In a world that often demands more than it gives, Be Nice is a call to return to the essence—the beginning, when life was simpler, when things were as they should be.
As part of the exhibition, Zotis also includes a surreal video installation that serves as both a visual and conceptual companion to the paintings. The video amplifies the themes of the exhibit, blending images and movements that further explore the relationship between life, death, and the spaces in between. It’s a holistic experience, one that makes you feel as though you’re part of the unfolding narrative of the universe itself.
The subjects within the exhibit are as diverse as they are profound. Zotis touches on themes of telecommunications, the feminine energy, and the Unicorn Republic—a concept that evokes innocence, the self, and the process of emerging from the shadows into the light. "Looking through the shadows, the illusions, and stepping into the light" is a recurring motif throughout the exhibit, a reminder that growth often requires us to confront the unknown and emerge transformed.
Be Nice is more than just an exhibition—it's a manifesto. Zotis' creative soul has crafted an experience that speaks volumes without saying much. The simplicity of the phrase “Be Nice” invites contemplation of life’s most profound questions: How do we create? How do we connect? How do we evolve? And, perhaps most importantly, how do we move through this world with grace, kindness, and authenticity?
In the end, Be Nice is a celebration of both the beginning and the end, of life and death, and of everything that happens in between. It is a profound reminder that, at its core, the universe is simply a series of interconnected moments—each one worthy of our attention, our respect, and, of course, our kindness.
If you haven’t experienced Agni Zotis' Be Nice yet, be sure to visit. It’s a journey that will leave you reflecting long after you've left the gallery—a timeless reminder to embrace life in all its forms, with all its complexities, and to always remember to be nice.
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