The human spirit is the subject of Greek artist Rania Mesiskli's exuberant paintings, as that spirit manifests itself in the worlds of theater, fashion, cabaret and circus. As an accomplished performer, Rania intimately knows this world where dreams and discipline meet, and she presents it to us with exquisite and moving details. Rania has said she composes her portraits by balancing in equal parts fantasy and fact, in order to create an alternate reality that exists only within art, where her subjects overcome the limitations of the world beyond the spotlight. The strength, daring and artistry of these singers, acrobats, clowns and other performers come through with empathy and passion, and the gorgeous, lush tones of the costumes and the dreamlike settings make these paintings unique views into the dreams that we all share. The special world of show people, with their graceful energy, joie de vivre, glamour and melancholy, comes vividly to life in these touching, beautiful portraits.