Participation in the Group Exhibition "Φύσεις"
Written on July 20th, 2024 by Dialekti Valsamou-Stanislawski
The exhibition poster, based on one of my collages. Graphic design by Sofia Grigoriadou.
Artworks Presented
As part of the Contemporary Art Workshop at or.artspace, I worked both collaboratively and independently, initially producing nine digital collages and a futuristic advertisement in video and sound. One of these collages was selected as the official exhibition poster.
For the exhibition, I presented the following two works in a dual installation:
- “Χίμαιρες” (13 framed images. Personal collection, found objects, cyanotypes, and digital collage)
- “Upgrading is Caring” (Sound and video, 2’23”, looping)
The Group Exhibition “Φύσεις”
“How do we perceive our relationships with the ‘natural’ world in our daily lives today, in an era of climate change and intense concerns about the decisive—and ultimately destructive—impact of human activity on the planet?
Can contemporary art contribute to the deconstruction—at least partially—of ingrained notions of a singular ‘Nature’ that supposedly stands in opposition to ‘Culture’?
Could experimenting with the term in its plural form (Φύσεις, ‘natures’), emphasizing personal experiences, and shaping them through a collective artistic process strengthen critical engagement with the social stereotypes that influence our everyday practices?”
— Excerpt from the exhibition text by Elpida Rikou, curator
📰Press Coverage: “Φύσεις” at Amarysia
The Installation
In this installation, I aimed to create a welcoming and familiar space, evoking a sense of timelessness and anachronism. The material choices and references fostered a sense of comfort, while the surreal scenes and unusual combinations of the collages introduced a playful tension between the familiar and the unexpected.
Through this approach, I sought to establish a complex emotional connection with the works. The portraits invited viewers to construct their own narratives, forming spontaneous storytelling associations in their minds. My goal was to engage the audience in co-creating an ephemeral shared imaginary with every visit.
A television, reminiscent of an old household setting, continuously played advertisements. The synthetic and oversaturated world of these commercials starkly contrasted with the physical environment of the installation. The voices and narratives had an otherworldly, emotionally unsettling quality, yet remained oddly entertaining.
The contrast between the two works and the overall atmosphere of the installation were central to my concept and artistic choices.
View of the installation. Framed works from "Χίμαιρες" displayed on walls and furniture. To the right, the television plays "Upgrading is Caring".
