Weighty matters
A light approach to important social issues as perceived by young Greek artists.
Galerie Artler, Lübeck, Germany
Opening: Saturday, September 30, 2023.
Duration: until October 20.
Curated by: Jens Lange, Georg Georgakopoulos
Nowadays, it has become increasingly difficult to determine the significance of things as we excessively overanalyze. Everything situations develop quickly and we are constantly bombarded with texts, thoughts, and opinions through social media. At times we are compelled to rely on untrustworthy sources for information as we cannot access that which appears on screen.
Research by Iris K. Schneider Bastiaan T. Rutjens, Nils B. Jostmann, Daniël Lakens, from the University of Amsterdam and Eindhoven showed that certain "weighty" experiences influence one’s overall ability to evaluate important issues. Participants were asked to estimate the weight of a book. After researchers explained the significance of its contents, participants estimated that the book weighed more; nevertheless, this was not the case. The perception of weight was affected only when the participants held the book. In other words, the information altered the perception of its actual weight. Had the book have a light content, participants would think it to weigh less. This research shows that if we provide people with carefully crafted information, we can easily manipulate their perception. It is similar to magician’s trick, but on a spiritual level. In the Weighty Matters exhibition, 15 artists reverse this outcome by using a light approach to serious, everyday issues, in attempt to release their "burdens".
Artists: Dimosthenis Bogiatzis, Evgenia Efstathiou, Orestis Karalis, Markellos Kolofotias, Dimitris Kontodimos, Alexandros Kontogeorgakopoulos/ Odysseas Kleisouras, Marilena Kranioti, the Krank, Helen Mesadou, Elio Samaras, Stratos Sterianos, Hector Theoulakis, Andreas Vembos, Vassia Zorbali.
Galerie Artler
Burgstraße 32, Lübeck, Germany
