Geta Braqtescu
Hannah Höch
Ioannis Koliopoulos
Paola Palavidi
Sergei Parajanov
Artavazd Peleschjan
John Stezaker
The group show (Geta Bratescu, Hannah Hoch, Ioannis Koliopoulos, Paola Palavidi, Sergei Parajanov, Artavazd Peleschjan, John Stezaker) explores the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of the photographic image.
Geta Brǎtescu, Hannah Höch, Ioannis Koliopoulos, Paola Palavidi,
Sergei Parajanov, Artavazd Peleschjan, John Stezaker
Qbox gallery is pleased to present a group show entitled MARRIAGE. The exhibition
explores the aesthetic and conceptual aspects of the photographic image as an epic and
lyrical potential to transform and unveil limitless possible ways for perception and
contemplation. Two films are shown by the pioneer directors Artavazd Peleschjan and
Sergei Parajanov along with the unique collages of Hannah Hoch and John Stezaker,
Geta Brătescu’s exemplary studio performances, and the multilayered collage-drawings
of Paola Palavidi and Ioannis Koliopoulos.
The initial creation of an image is already a transformative process that gives form to the
mental and physical experience. This “transubstantiation” unfolds a chain of
supplementary incidents that weave together an untitled scenario that waits for reflection.
In the end of the creative process, the contradictory traits of the interconnections
between the incidents remain in order to shape a balanced sequence. This could be
related to the “distance montage” of Artavazd Peleschjan (b. Armenia, 1938), an essential
filmmaker who instead of having a linear narrative in his films he creates an intuitive
association and a rhythmic movement between the images so as to form a unity. The
black and white film The Seasons of the Year (1975), which is shown in the gallery space,
depicts the change of seasons in his native country, Armenia, where the relationship
between man and nature is emphasized and the latter imposes itself to the former.
In addition, Armenian director Sergei Parajanov’s (1924-1990) rich color film The Color of
Pomegranates (1969) embraces the symbolical and poetical sense of the image by
entering into the inner world of the Armenian poet-trobadour Aruthin Sayadian, (1712-
1795), known as Sayat Nova. Through the strong use of metaphors, Parajanov creates an
ethnographic film that is an assemblage of painting, theatre, dance, music and
photography. Moreover, the exhibition includes one collage of Hannah Höch (1889-
1978), the famous German Dada artist who was one of the originators of photomontage.
John Stezaker (b. 1949, Worcester, U.K.), who is the master of image subversion, presents
four photographic collages, where his discreet intervention on the existing material
enhances the uncanny atmosphere of the portraits and reminds us once again the strong
effects of visual language. Geta Brătescu (b. 1926, Ploiesti, RO) is known for her long-
term multidisciplinary work that develops the discourse between every day life and art
practice. In the late 70’s Brătescu made her studio an artistic theme itself, where she
aimed to dissolve the boundaries between fiction and reality, daily actions and
performance art.
The young upcoming artists Paola Palavidi (b. Greece, 1986) and Ioannis Koliopoulos (b.
Greece, 1986) are the “image manipulators” who create a jumble of narratives out of used
objects and pictures that draw attention to the absurdity of daily life. In the exhibition
MARRIAGE they depict a new series of collages combined with drawings where they play
with the symbolical language of images by deconstructing any given meaning.
MARRIAGE celebrates the dynamics of the photographic image by bringing together a
number of artists from different generations and backgrounds so as to make a profound
research on the mutable nature of the image as such. Beyond the depiction of multiple
representations of reality, these works stimulate the visitor’s imagination while they elicit
the poetical elements of visual art.
For more information please contact Elli Paxinou at elli@qbox.gr or on +30.211.1199.991
Opening: Tuesday, April 23, 19:00 – 22:00
Qbox Gallery
Armodiou 10, Varvakeios agora, Athens
Visiting hours: Tue – Fri 12:00-18:00, Sat 12:00-16:00