Plastic kisses
The second part of the diptych «Glorious elements-Plastic kisses», 2 modular exhibitions on the unbearable lightness existing in a plastic world composed of glorious elements in Athens and Vienna.
The public image as a reflection of oneself, the other - the ideal self-image, the collective understanding of reality and the escape of a fragmented impression of the actual self*, are the issues examined in "Plastic Kisses".
Alas, plastic kisses! 8 artists examine the unbearable lightness of the plastic world, sending "Plastic Kisses" to everyone. Projects developed over the recent months are realized for the exhibition, much like a visual diary of thoughts materialized as physical, material work.
Plastic kisses
In times of prosperity and tranquility, simple things and habits are absorbed in the flow of everyday life. Trivial situations and personal concerns ultimately leave no real imprint. Minor issues replace matters of true importance.
The ongoing global crises since 2008 has brought about radical changes for humanity resulting in a violent upheaval of everyday life and impact on our way of thinking. What challenges us to handle and overcome difficulties are the glorious elements of human nature and individual qualities.
As global history advances with a profound effect on our national identity, we are called upon to reshape the new landscape, to seek our individuality and acceptance within it. We enter this new world carrying a bulk of old and new thoughts, empathies, desires, beliefs, behaviors, past and present conditions. Social network channels and digital platforms collect and absorb all of these conflicting elements, as they offer freedom of expression to individuals from a diversity of social, educational, cultural, political and religious backgrounds. Our social self-image, both in the real as in the virtual world, provides insight on identity of the personal and political individual of today’s world. Often, we fall into the misconception that through social media we can change the real world into an imaginary habitat, a fake - plastic one.
* Social psychologist Kenneth Gergen in his book, «The Saturated Self» explains the phenomenon of «quot;polyphrenia,» the orchestration of our many selves that is pulled in so many directions that the person is disoriented.
Artists: Nikos Artemis, Chloe Akrithaki, Kostas Bassanos, Marilia Kolibiri, Katerina Kanakaki, Elio Samaras, Filippos Tsitsopoulos, Giorgos-Ikaros Babasakis.
Curated by: Georg Georgakopoulos
flat1: Karin Maria Pfeifer, Zula Zimmerberger
«Plastic kisses» is realized in collaboration with the Vienna-based independent art space flat1 and its curatorial team of artists, with whom which APART shares common values. flat1 supports the creative exchange between international artists, creating networks away from commercially oriented galleries.
«Plastic kisses» is the second exhibition of the entity «Glorious Elements/ Plastic Kisses» presented in Athens and Vienna. The first exhibition «Glorious Elements» was hosted in the context of the major art event «Back to Athens 2023 International Art Meeting» at the iconic Megaro Isaia in Athens.
«Glorious elements / plastic kisses» is realized with the financial support and auspices of the Greek Ministry of Culture and Sports YPPOA.
Opening: Wednesday, October 18, 2023, 19:00 – 22:00
Duration: October 18 - 24, 2023
Finissage: Tuesday, October 24, 2023, 17:00 – 19:00
Opening hours: Thurs., Fri., Sat., Mon., 16:00 – 18:00
flat1
RADETZKYSTRASSE 4, 1030 Wien
