Canis canem non est, Dog does not eat Dog | Babis Karalis
A likely cause for global disaster is the production of art. Subsequently, an upcoming shipwreck may not be prevented, yet we anticipate that it will not develop into a condition of extreme cannibalism, having preserved the moral perspective of memory - the bacteria of vulgarity and brutality.
Babis Karali's installation is a tribute to Théodore Géricault; a direct reference to the renowned painting "Le Radeau de la Méduse" (1818-1819) in which a confined space and waste field of divinity and a domain of triumph of power over morality.
Karalis does not attempt to become a historian yet to reflect on time endured, upon the very cracks from which the raft defects. Made of railway crossbars, his installation inverts onto a sea of stale bread, destined to sink not from its three-and-a-half-ton weight, but from the African timber that cannot float on water. As so, Karalis sets the boundaries for a personal wreck within the supplementary space that accommodates memories of the crash, of the seductive charm of cannibalism, of the administration of food, of the handling of one other.
"Canis canem non est", the installation
Overall dimensions of Installation 9.50 (m) x 3.40 (m), weight, 3.5 (tons) assembled within 90 (sqm) exhibition space. The installation consists of fine processed tropical timber used to support railway tracks. The specific gravity of the timbers will not allow the wood to float. A large wooden structure resembling a raft, stands upon a surface of 8,000 slices of toasted bread. The underlying concept of the project draws from the experiential images of artist, born far from the sea, upon the mountains of Epirus in Northern Greece. Théodore Gericault's work “Le Radeau de la Méduse”, the drama of the wreck of the French naval frigate Médus that set many people adrift, is the main reference point in Babis Karali's project. Survivors initially fed on a small reservoir of breadcrumbs yet as this was consumed, in desperation they began to eat one another. This act of cannibalism enhanced the survivor's drama. In an attempt to cast away this revolting act, Babis Karalis installation ¨Canis canem non est¨ places a ¨sea¨ of bread rusks to prevent cannibalism. This project was designed by Babis Karalis several years ago, yet could be realized only upon approval of his application to the Railway Agency to purchase the used timber.
It was not the artist's intention to reflect on current issues and problematics, that was not the objective. The viewer however, contextually touches upon the work driven by her/his own experiences, which are none other than the hundreds of rafts and the misery of those who exploit the seas for a better future. Only, Babis Karali's heavy weight raft is destined to sink, similar to modern refugee rafts, intended to accompany passengers to their watery grave. This raft and sea installation of toasted bread activates virtually all senses: sight, hearing (the noise of the crushed bread rusks at the visitor's feet), smell (baked bread rusks combined with the distinctive odor of wood preservatives). Canis canem non est: Dog does not eat Dog. Current issues and critical situations that coincide with the project scope, make it relevant than ever.
Opening: Wednesday, February 3rd, 2016
Duration: 3.2 – 12.3, 2016
Visiting hours: Tuesday – Friday 17:00 – 21:00, Saturday 13:00 – 16:00
CHEAPART
25 A. Metaxa Str., 10681 Athens
