who is squirmy.
Mikaella Socratous (b.1997), also known as Squirming Mantis, is a versatile fine artist and researcher from Nicosia, Cyprus. With a diverse background spanning visual art, spatial + graphic design, poetry, videography, scenography, and curatorial practices, Socratous delves into the intricacies of human thought and existentialism in her work. Trained at the Glasgow School of Art (Interior Design) and the Barcelona Academy of Art (Academic Classical Realism), she focuses on experiential design and impressionistic realities. The artist's work explores themes of psychology, philosophy, and neuroscience through atmospheric dreamscapes and narrational surrealism. These works delve into ambiguity and abstract connections, aiming to stimulate viewers mentally and transport them into the subconscious. Her conceptuality is often conveyed through a characteristic aesthetic of vibrant color, intricate forms, and immersive navigation.
She has showcased her work as a Creative Director across various projects, including film, documentaries, and music. Notable collaborations include Cube Productions, AB Seahorse, Cyprus Music Video Festival, Kazanti Films, and TEPAK (Cyprus University of Technology).
Mikaella Socratous received the "Best Short Film Award" at the Velocity Awards in the UK in 2019.
She is the course leader of Academic Classical Realism in the Art Hub Visual Arts Laboratories in Nicosia, Cyprus, from 2022-ongoing, where she offers additional workshops such as Automatic Drawing, Subconscious Release, and Video Narrative.
*Press*
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https://kubaparis.com/submission/376164
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/whats-on/academic-drawing-workshops/ ★
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/whats-on/exhibition/pleasure-hunt-art-exhibition-at-acropolis-park-on-november-25-27/ ★
https://2020.gsashowcase.net/mikaella-socratous/ ★
Solo Shows:
2022 Pleasure Hunt, Curated by Emily Groutidou, Sponsored by Cosmos Trading Ltd, Acropolis Caves Venue, Nicosia, Cyprus
2021 Cosmic Release, Sneak Peek Multi-space, Nicosia, Cyprus
2016 The Room, Social Experiment and Interactive Installation, Off-site exhibition experience, Nicosia, Cyprus
Group Shows:
2024 The Holy Art Gallery collective exhibition, THAF 2024, Factory Venue, London, UK
2023 Sweet Liminal Space, Co-curated by Mikaella Socratous and Orestis Telemachou, off-site collective exhibition organized by curators, Nicosia, Cyprus
2020 Barcelona Academy of Art Student Exhibition, Curated by Yordi Alama, Barcelona Academy of Art, Barcelona, Spain
2019 Utopia Dystopia, Collective Exhibition organized by Fabrika Kollektiv, Nicosia, Cyprus
2019 Glasgow School of Art Degree Show, Interior Design, Curated by Patrick Macklan course director, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, UK
2018 Design Domain 18, Curated by Interior Design Course, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, UK
2017 Design Domain 17, Curated by Interior Design Course, Glasgow School of Art, Glasgow, UK
Set Design/Production Design:
2024 SAN PSEMA, Greek Television Series, OMEGA Channel
Stand-by Prop Master
Nicosia, Cyprus
2024 Iphigeneia, a short film by Alex Machlouzarides-Shalit and Mikaella Socratous,
Written and directed by Alex Machlouzarides-Shalit
Assistant Director, Art Director, Production Design, Production Manager, Fixer, Graphics
Nicosia, Cyprus
2024 Council of All Beings, a short film by Yiannis Christides, Produced by TEPAK Cyprus University of Technology,
Funded by EMPACT Creative Europe Project
Set Designer, Wardrobe, Props Master
Cyprus
2023-24 20 Euros, a short film by Alex Machlouzarides-Shalit, Produced by AB Seahorse Productions
Art Director, Production Design, Wardrobe, Props Master, Graphics
Nicosia, Cyprus
2023-24 Bifurcation, a short film by Andreas Lyras, Produced by director
Art Director, Production Design, Wardrobe, Props Master, Graphics
Cyprus
2023 PTPD - Put the Phone Down, a short film by Nikolas Karatzas and Ester Machado
Screened at Rialto Theatre’s Parallel Events
“Dance Throughout the Year” alongside 3 films.
Art Director, Production Design, Wardrobe, Props Master
Nicosia, Cyprus
2023 Leon Beer Commercial, an advertisement produced by Cube Productions, presented nationwide
Product Fixer
Cyprus