Us2: Five Minutes, Hidden Canvases, and Absolute Trust

by ROOFTOP Arts Centre | Jun 18, 2026 | Exhibition

The Rhythm of Exchange

How do two distinct artistic voices merge into a single canvas without losing their essence? For “Us2” the answer lay in a strict, yet completely liberating structure.

We developed each painting collaboratively, working on the same canvas at the same time under a simple rule: five minutes each, alternating turns. Using paint, collage, and found materials, each of us would “build” the composition in direct response to what the other had left behind. There were absolutely no rules regarding colour, imagery, or materials—only the raw rhythm of exchange.

But we took the experiment even further. For one of the works, the canvas remained completely hidden from view between turns. Each artist could only see the painting during their own five-minute interval. This created a fascinating process shaped by memory, deep intuition, and the thrill of surprise.

The works were considered complete only when we both recognised a natural sense of resolution. If any final adjustments were needed at the very end, they were always made together.

Collaborative work by Dinah Kazakoff and Fanoulla Georgiou

This rigorous process—the five-minute rhythm, the hidden canvases, and the intuitive trust—is exactly what took our collaboration from the studio floor to the international stage at Art Basel Miami Beach. It serves as proof that a strict structure, when followed with absolute trust, can lead to globally recognised work.

See the collaboration for yourself

Want to see how memory and surprise shape a painting?
Watch our upcoming timelapse video of the process and visit the “Us2” exhibition at Rooftop Arts Centre to see the final pieces up close.

A Note of Gratitude
We would like to extend our warmest thanks to the incredible community that hosted us during Art Basel Miami Beach. The hospitality was truly unforgettable, and it provided the perfect backdrop for our work to flourish. We are already looking forward to our next visit—we’ll be back soon!

Us2: Finding the Perfect Rhythm

by ROOFTOP Arts Centre | Jun 11, 2026 | Exhibition

Creating as One Mind

Working alongside Dinah throughout this creative journey has been a complete honour. From the very beginning, there was a natural rhythm and trust between us that made the whole experience feel incredibly unique and special.

When we are in front of the canvas, we seem to be totally in sync—visually, emotionally, and even physically while creating the work. Everything flowed so organically, and remarkably, we never argued once! I simply trusted her lead, as well as both of our instincts, and that deep trust became such an important part of the entire process.

Sharing this collaborative energy has been deeply rewarding, but taking our work to the global stage was an absolute privilege. To have exhibited some of our collaborative work at Art Basel Miami Beach 2026 was a joy. Seeing our pieces displayed in a gallery in South Beach was both surreal and deeply rewarding.

I am immensely proud of what we created together and grateful for the connection we shared. This experience has only strengthened my belief in what we can achieve together as “Us2.” I truly hope this is just the beginning of a long creative partnership—and who knows, perhaps one day we’ll become the next Gilbert & George.

See the collaboration for yourself

Experience the creative energy that brought us to Miami. The “Us2” exhibition is now open at Rooftop Arts Centre—join us and see the collaboration for yourself.

Fanoulla Georgiou is a resident artist and Head of Art Education at Rooftop Arts Centre. An accomplished educator with nearly 30 years of experience, she specializes in translating human emotion into visual form.

Us2: The Art of Letting Go

by ROOFTOP Arts Centre | Jun 3, 2026 | Exhibition

A Silent Conversation on Canvas

Working with another artist and creating collaborative pieces of work has been a truly inspiring and exciting process. When Fanoulla and I decided to bring the “Us2” project to life, I knew it would be a journey, but I didn’t realize how deeply it would change my approach to painting.

Knowing exactly how Fanoulla works and what inspires her made this entire experience incredibly enjoyable. From the very first stroke, it was almost as if we knew what each other’s moves would be without any words spoken or any advice given. We developed a silent, intuitive language.

For me, the most beautiful part of this collaboration was how it completely took the pressure off the need to create a “flawless” piece of work. Instead of overthinking, we just let the process determine where the painting would go, relying entirely on each other to progress through every single step. The pieces of work felt alive—forever changing and bursting into life with every turn.

Always being thoughtful of each other’s moves, we stayed completely open until we both agreed that a piece was truly finished. I could not have chosen a more perfect collaborative partner than Fanoulla. I have a strong feeling that we will be continuing this journey for a long time—and we are already thrilled that Art Basel Miami is on our calendar again this year.

See the collaboration for yourself

Come and see the result of this silent conversation.
Visit the “Us2″ exhibition at Rooftop Arts Centre and experience the art of letting go.

Dinah Kazakoff is a resident artist and the Gallery Director at Rooftop Arts Centre. With decades of experience in the creative industry, her work explores the balance between structured design and intuitive, raw expression.