At the beach 

Curator: Here we have Pericles Pantazis’ painting titled “At the Beach.” Using oil paint in a plein-air style, the artwork gives us a peek into leisure time by the sea. What strikes you most when you look at this painting? Editor: First thing, that hazy light. It feels like squinting on a hot day, everything softened. It’s not hyper-realistic, but the scene shimmers with a real sense of a seaside summer. It almost smells like salt and sunscreen, don't you think? Curator: Absolutely. The painting really exemplifies how impressionism became popular, capturing those fleeting moments of everyday life in public spaces. In this period, increased leisure time coincided with an artistic focus on the activities and social interactions outside of private life. Editor: Right, and beach scenes weren’t just about showing pretty pictures. They became about documenting new social norms—the bourgeoisie actually having fun outside! Curator: Precisely. Artists such as Pantazis portrayed a changing society. And the loose brushwork—you can see the influence of French Impressionism. Think about the way people gathered on the beaches. Places once reserved for work become sites of leisure and the artist captures this shift. Editor: Plus, those bathing machines add such a funny element. You can imagine the drama behind them, everyone modestly changing before emerging, ready to frolic... somewhat constrained! It adds a touch of humor, I think. Curator: They were instrumental, allowing more timid beachgoers the privacy they felt necessary to enjoy the waters. These aren't people fearlessly diving into the sea—they approach the water’s edge tentatively. It shows us what boundaries, both social and physical, existed at this time. Editor: Well said! The piece really gives the viewer a snapshot of a moment in time and the society surrounding that moment, allowing one to think about what has changed, but also maybe what has stayed the same. Curator: It offers a charming depiction of leisure, and Pantazis captured its essence—fleeting moments and social shifts—onto canvas, so to speak. Editor: And it makes you yearn for an ice cream, a little sea breeze, and maybe even a sneaky peek at those bathing machines!