Artist research: Andreas Rousounelis:

While doing some research into dioramas I came across an artist called Andreas Rousounelis, who has a blog full of his hand crafted dioramas. I find this first piece really interesting and the sheer amount of detail that can be seen is fascinating. I love the contrast between the elegant and regal elements such as the grand fire place and chair and the elaborate picture frame, but the wall paper is peeling of and the fire place and floor are covered in soot and dirt. This is a place that has been abandoned and I think that this causes there to be a feeling of sadness within this piece. I think that the colours and tones that have been used within the work add to this aspect of wealth and finery, the green and gold tones are rich and bold and seem to boat of wealth and money with the intricate patterns weaving in and out of each other. But the more I look the more this place feels void of any love, it seems like this is all a show and has been forgotten without a second thought. To me this piece feels lonely and the minimal light shining through the window only highlights that there is no one in the room. 

When I look at this work I think that it is immediately much happier than the previous piece. The colours and tones are bright and light and uplift the work rather than creating an oppressive atmosphere, the flourishing pink flowers, and the weeds and moss that crawl up the front of the building twist and turn create movement and a sense of life within the work and the peeling light blue paint of the front door seems like it is that way because it is well loved and well used, not because it has been forgotten. To me, there is something comforting and familiar about this piece, as if it is a family home that I grew up visiting. The door is slightly a jar creating an inviting atmosphere and the bricks are slightly uneven as if they have been cut by hand allowing the work to feel flawed, human and grounded. One thing about these dioramas that I really like is the use of lighting and shadows, it really helps to make these scenes feel real and relatable as if I am standing there myself.