Nausica Pastra
Synectron–Square–Circle, 1968–1976
Duraluminium, 19.5 × 81 × 81 cm
Donated by Emmanuel Mavrommatis, 2017
ΕΜΣΤ Collection
Nausica Pastra’s research on geometric shapes and the pivotal role of mathematical relationships led to Synectron, a new form and a new two-dimensional shape that arose from the symmetrical composition of intersecting circles and squares. Pastra used the shape she invented to organise her own morphological system. Synectron–Square–Circle sculpture (1968–1976) expresses the artist’s belief that new knowledge is acquired by following a repetitive typology and integrating it with the existing. The simplified form of the composition and the pure geometric shapes that comprise it made it ideal as an architectural proposal implemented in public space. That version, as a 500 sq. m. environmental model, received an award from the Municipality of Montreuil in Paris in 1974. In addition, it was executed in stone as a 68 sq. m. ‘sculpture-environment’ at Lycée Polyvalent of Mirepoix in France, a commission by the Ministry of Culture, and later as a ‘sculpture-fountain’ in marble at the home of the painter Jannis Spyropoulos in 1980 and the Goulandris Museum in 1986.
Biography
Nausica Pastra (1921–2011) was born in Kalamata. She took sculpture courses at the Sommerakademie in Salzburg (1957) and the Akademie der bildenden Künste in Vienna (1957–1962). She also studied Sociology of Art at the École Pratique des Hautes Études in Paris (1967–1973). In 1963, she moved to Paris and experimented with new materials like polyester. Within the context of abstraction, her art used simplified forms and purely geometric shapes that resulted in compositions / architectural propositions. She was interested in the poetic potential of mathematical systems. She created formal sequences based on the circle and the square, examining the possibilities that emerge from the intersection of those shapes and their interrelations. From her research, entitled Analogiques 1, came Synectron; a new form, followed by the series Analogiques 2 (1979–1982) and Analogiques 3 (1982–1986). Gradually culminating in the 1990s, her sculptural work explored more dynamic associations, highlighting the fluidity of the three-dimensional space. She created works for public spaces, was honoured with awards, and received distinctions. She presented her work in twenty solo exhibitions in Greece (since 1977) and internationally (Austria, France, Italy, and the Netherlands). She participated in group exhibitions as well as international art events.
collection.emst.gr/artists/nausicapastra
ALL WORKS
- Phantom Investigations (Giannis Delagrammatikas, Ino Varvariti). Each Relation Belongs to Other Relations
- Chryssa. From the Newspaper Book
- Chryssa. From the Newspaper Book
- Nausica Pastra. Analogiques
- Nausica Pastra. Synectron–Square–Circle
- Bia Davou. Pillars and Clouds, Hypothetical Intervention in the Pillars of Olympic Zeus
- Bia Davou. Serial Structures 2 – Odyssey
- Christina Mitrentse. European Union – Bookscape XIV
- Christina Mitrentse. Home is the Net – Bookscape VI
- Karolina Krasouli. Pattern (Νοs. 1–3, 5–9, 11–14)
- Karolina Krasouli. How to Remember (Plans)
- Chrysanthi Koumianaki. When the Performance Ends
- Maria Varela. Rugs of Life
