SEOUL — P21 Gallery proudly presents Astropoodles, the first solo exhibition in Korea by London-based Greek artist Sofia Mitsola (b. 1992), on view from May 31 through July 12. Known for her bold and sensual depictions of the human figure, Mitsola takes viewers on a cosmic journey through her dreamlike world of floating bodies, playful poodles, and mythical transformations.
In Astropoodles, Mitsola explores the boundaries of identity, desire, and embodiment through fantastical figures suspended in weightlessness. These forms are unapologetically bold—muscular yet curvy, serene yet seductive—poised in exaggerated, theatrical stances that suggest confidence, transformation, and escape. A repeated motif of crossed legs recurs throughout the series, symbolizing self-sufficiency, sensuality, and ambiguous anatomy.
Mitsola draws visual influence from an eclectic mix of sources: from the ornate sensuality of Klimt and Khnopff, to the decadence of Art Deco icon Tamara de Lempicka, 1980s Playboy culture, high fashion by John Galliano, and the hyper-stylized characters of Japanese anime. This rich visual language allows her characters to transcend historical and gender norms, reimagining bodies that are fluid, dynamic, and ever-evolving.
A striking feature of the exhibition is the transformation of Mitsola’s usual towering female figures into dainty, energetic poodles—the “Astropoodles” of the show’s title. These playful beings bounce across cosmic landscapes, embodying what the artist calls “astral coquettes” and “sci-fi bathers.” Despite their small size, these figures remain powerful, representing personal freedom and a humorous twist on identity and self-image.
The moon plays a key role both visually and symbolically, casting a soft, transformative light over the works. It stands as a metaphor for the “astral self,” and as a symbol of sexual autonomy and metamorphosis. Referencing mythological and folkloric traditions—from Greek goddess Artemis to Korea’s gumiho and Japan’s kitsune—the moon deepens the exhibition’s exploration of shape-shifting and inner awakening.
Mythical beings recur throughout Mitsola’s practice. Among them is the Sphinx, a half-human, half-beast entity whose ambiguous gaze and mysterious smile evoke both danger and allure. Here, she reclaims the figure as a symbol of tension and seduction, drawing on its historical association with female power and enigma.
Further enriching her mythic world are accessories and costumes that span centuries: oversized wigs, bone jewelry, silk ribbons, and chokers echoing everything from 18th-century French court fashion to the futuristic aesthetics of sci-fi. These touches create characters that, like the film Orlando (1992), shift across gender, time, and identity.
At its heart, Astropoodles is a celebration of bodies—desiring, desired, and delightfully in-between. Mitsola invites visitors to recognize themselves in the works, often sparking spontaneous mimicry from viewers who strike the same powerful poses in front of her paintings. Through this immersive and empowering experience, the artist encourages everyone to embrace their inner cosmic being, unapologetically and fearlessly.
Sayart / Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com
London-based artist brings fantastical, sensual figures to cosmic life in her first Korean solo show at P21
SEOUL — P21 Gallery proudly presents Astropoodles, the first solo exhibition in Korea by London-based Greek artist Sofia Mitsola (b. 1992), on view from May 31 through July 12. Known for her bold and sensual depictions of the human figure, Mitsola takes viewers on a cosmic journey through her dreamlike world of floating bodies, playful poodles, and mythical transformations.
In Astropoodles, Mitsola explores the boundaries of identity, desire, and embodiment through fantastical figures suspended in weightlessness. These forms are unapologetically bold—muscular yet curvy, serene yet seductive—poised in exaggerated, theatrical stances that suggest confidence, transformation, and escape. A repeated motif of crossed legs recurs throughout the series, symbolizing self-sufficiency, sensuality, and ambiguous anatomy.
Mitsola draws visual influence from an eclectic mix of sources: from the ornate sensuality of Klimt and Khnopff, to the decadence of Art Deco icon Tamara de Lempicka, 1980s Playboy culture, high fashion by John Galliano, and the hyper-stylized characters of Japanese anime. This rich visual language allows her characters to transcend historical and gender norms, reimagining bodies that are fluid, dynamic, and ever-evolving.
A striking feature of the exhibition is the transformation of Mitsola’s usual towering female figures into dainty, energetic poodles—the “Astropoodles” of the show’s title. These playful beings bounce across cosmic landscapes, embodying what the artist calls “astral coquettes” and “sci-fi bathers.” Despite their small size, these figures remain powerful, representing personal freedom and a humorous twist on identity and self-image.
The moon plays a key role both visually and symbolically, casting a soft, transformative light over the works. It stands as a metaphor for the “astral self,” and as a symbol of sexual autonomy and metamorphosis. Referencing mythological and folkloric traditions—from Greek goddess Artemis to Korea’s gumiho and Japan’s kitsune—the moon deepens the exhibition’s exploration of shape-shifting and inner awakening.
Mythical beings recur throughout Mitsola’s practice. Among them is the Sphinx, a half-human, half-beast entity whose ambiguous gaze and mysterious smile evoke both danger and allure. Here, she reclaims the figure as a symbol of tension and seduction, drawing on its historical association with female power and enigma.
Further enriching her mythic world are accessories and costumes that span centuries: oversized wigs, bone jewelry, silk ribbons, and chokers echoing everything from 18th-century French court fashion to the futuristic aesthetics of sci-fi. These touches create characters that, like the film Orlando (1992), shift across gender, time, and identity.
At its heart, Astropoodles is a celebration of bodies—desiring, desired, and delightfully in-between. Mitsola invites visitors to recognize themselves in the works, often sparking spontaneous mimicry from viewers who strike the same powerful poses in front of her paintings. Through this immersive and empowering experience, the artist encourages everyone to embrace their inner cosmic being, unapologetically and fearlessly.
Sayart / Maria Kim sayart2022@gmail.com
