Salon 21 is pleased to present “Pool Float,” a solo exhibition by the artist Papou, opening to the public on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This is the artist’s first exhibition in New York.

Papou, a Florida-based artist of Greek and Native American heritage, draws inspiration from the pleasures of the sun and the vibrant flora and fauna of southern Florida. Her artworks feature elements such as fruit, birds, and clothing that reflect her diverse upbringing and local environment. Central to her creative journey is “Papou” (grandpa), whose immigration from Greece to the United States in the 1950s serves as a profound muse for her artistic practice. Through vivid compositions and a playful exploration of memories, the exhibition guides viewers on a journey of primal intuition and joyful discovery—a celebration of cultural roots and personal expression brought to life on canvas.

“Pool Float” offers an immersion into personal introspection—an exploration of madness, passion, and self-romance amidst a world often clouded by fear. Through vibrant and emotive compositions, Papou’s work serves as a testament to finding lightness and joy in life’s simplest moments. Drawing from childhood memories—a fish, a bowl of lemons, or a quiet moment under an umbrella—the artist encapsulates a journey of primal intuition and playful expansion, presented as a personal manifesto to discovering inner serenity.