Critic, curator and artist Chris Bors writes on Ketta Ioannidou's work at Diatopos:

"Although Ketta Ioannidou's landscapes and waterscapes are based on nature and she uses the human figure to define the form of her warrior women, there is a welcome break from reality in her work that is steeped in myth, fantasy and cartoon culture.

Swirls of foliage and flowers on inky black backgrounds create a vortex that draws the viewer into a cycle of pleasure and decay. Painted with loving detail, an Amazon emerges from the depths of glistening waters, with particular attention paid to both traditional concerns of representing light and dark, as well as a personal, authentic touch of an artist confident enough to revel in the elemental quality of paint itself.

This nighttime world is contrasted with the bright hues of the paintings depicting warrior women that reside in Diatopos's downstairs space. As much fashion victims as fighters, these gals are modern day icons. Armed with triton, bow and sword, the three large paintings on one wall stand ready to defend, attack and carry out a mission--all while looking their best and dressed to impress. An aquatic army of females residing in the deep blue sea is also a component of Ioannidou's exhibition. Imagine the terror an opponent would face against a force that is more fearsome, better trained and wearing couture. If there is an element of irony here, don't blame Ioannidou. Her background as a fashion designer comes into play, as does her admiration for Manga (Japanese comic books) featuring epic battles between god and evil.

Also downstairs, a multimedia installation greets us in a welcoming manner. A quiet respite from the buzz of our world, here you can relax and reflect. Snaking vines and branches crawl on the walls and butterflies float from the sky. A video of an unreal sea, similar to ours, but more intense in hue, is projected on the wall.

Whether made in Nicosia or Manhattan, Ioannidou's latest work comes together at Diatopos, with figurative works and magical terrains sharing equal billing. In the end, her virtuoso paint handling makes a quick reading of her themes all but impossible."

Chris Bors