Michal Chelbin
James Dean Diamon
Efrat Galnoor
Tony Garifalakis
Irene Hanenbergh
Maro Michalakakos
Joao Onofre
Ewoud Van Rijn
Chryssanthos Sotiropoulos
Andrea Gilbert
18/3/2005
Magic
Vamiali, Athens
The exhibition brings together 9 artists from various parts of the world, whose enterprises demand from their viewers a willing suspension of disbelief. The artwork has its point of departure in the ancient conjured space of myth, legend and miracle, but moves unmistakably within present or, in some cases, future time.
Vamiali’s is proud to present the group show Magic curated by Andrea Gilbert.
What do art and magic have in common? Everything. Both are as old as culture itself. Magic was once considered an art, and art objects have always assisted it. Both are inventions that mediate between human nature and nature’s inhumanity. Both use mediums, illusion and enchantment to produce effects, which attempt – most always in vain – to master the secret forces of the universe.
The exhibition Magic brings together nine artists from various parts of the world, whose enterprises demand from their viewers a willing suspension of disbelief. The artwork in Magic has its point of departure in the ancient conjured space of myth, legend and miracle, but moves unmistakably within present or, in some cases, future time. The artists come from a variety of cultural, social and religious backgrounds that have influenced their work. What they share is a late 20th-century upbringing and an uninhibited delight in presenting their inner visions of life, death, sexuality, romance and horror. Their individual expressions, which often are tinged with humor and cynicism, in some way all draw on the diachronic, universal appeal of the magical – in all its dark and bright aspects.
The circus performers that Michal Chelbin (Israel, 1974) photographs are real in every sense, yet they inhabit a strange world that is both full of information and full of riddles.
The lens of James Dean Diamond (UK/Greece, 1968) transforms ordinary objects and faces into macabre gothic players.
Efrat Galnoor (Israel, 1970) casts herself as the miracle-performing heroes/heroines in Mediaeval miniatures, updating these religious scenes as gender-bending displays of strength and power.
Tony Garifalakis (Australia, 1964) constructs mixed media environments that exploit the extensive culture of horror.
Irene Hanenbergh (NL/Australia, 1966) uses painting and digital technology to depict imaginary places and creatures in tales fused from Nordic legend, Persian miniature art, and a personal vocabulary of signs and symbols.
Maro Michalakakos (Greece, 1967) taps into psychic phenomena, mythology, and classic and personal fairytales to create objects imbued with sexual potency and metaphysical energy.
Video artist Jo’ao Onofre (Portugal, 1976) pits the eternal power of magic against technology by inviting a traditional magician couple to perform a levitation in his studio.
Ewoud van Rijn (Netherlands, 1967) paints phantasmagoric-erotic scenes of faeries, daemons and other magical creatures in symbolic, non-narrative dramas.
Chryssanthos Sotiropoulos (Greece, 1967) weds the apocalyptic vision of Hieronymus Bosch with the cartoon sensibility of Walt Disney to produce contemporary tragicomic morality tales.
Most of the artists will be present for the opening.
Curated by Andrea Gilbert
Artists: Michal Chelbin, James Dean Diamond, Efrat Galnoor, Tony Garifalakis, Irene Hanenbergh, Maro Michalakakos, Joao Onofre, Ewoud Van Rijn, Chryssanthos Sotiropoulos.
With assistance from:
ARTS VICTORIA
'Iδρυμα Mondriaan, Amsterdam
Agan Chemical Manufacturers, Israel
Opening
Saturday 19 March 2005 From 16.00 to 20.00
Vamiali's
Samou 1 Athens 104 38 (m Metaxourgio Diligianni exit) Greece (Hellas)
Wednesday - Friday 14.00 - 20.00 Saturday 13.00 - 17.00 or by appointment