Anargyros Drolapas, Ilias Lois and Nikos Papangelis
Anargyros Drolapas, Ilias Lois & Nikos Papangelis
UNFOLD 01: COUNTERFEIT / COUNTERFATE
44 Color Photographs
46 Pages
55gsm Newsprint
Edition of 100
34x50 cm (closed)
Self Published
2019
From the artists:
By accepting that reality is not only a reflecting surface for the gaze, but also for the fears and the desires that define it, then inquiry is directed towards a narrative form which will strip reality of its claim to objectivity, while seeking faults that illuminate the seams of its overlying structures. If we replace “reality” with “simulation” – in light of Nick Bostrom’s simulation hypothesis about the universe – we may see once again redefined the relationship of photography with reality.
The curatorial project Unfold proposes multiple ways of presenting images from the photography work of seven artists, as multiple narratives of an internal network. The utilisation of the newspaper’s physicality, the sheets that can independently be installed on the walls of the exhibition space, the ability given to the viewer to edit their own version of the story, all relate to the paradox of image-based narration.
With the medium of photography, this work pursues to highlight the gaps that reveal the construction of the narrative, all the while created in an environment that is probably protected from them.
Photographers Eirini Angelidi, Emily Gaki, Katerina Digoni, Anargyros Drolapas, Dora Kalakidou, Ilias Lois, Nikos Papangelis Curatorial team Anargyros Drolapas, Ilias Lois, Nikos Papangelis
Book review by Francesco Scalici |
This collection of photographers, curated by Anargyros Drolapas, Ilias Lois and Nikos Papangelis examines an interpretation of a breaking down of reality. Exposing the imperfection of subject matter in a profoundly basic way. They have managed to create a body of work that highlights ‘simulation’ in abstracted forms and selecting the viewer to break these forms down into a somewhat personalized reality.
A relatively minimal approach to both the material and the content, the images under this collection breathe simplicity and are uncomplicated at first glance.
Presented in pairs and with a lack of descriptive text these minimal photographs seem to feed off each other organically. Placement is therefore key in understanding the relationships between pages and subject matter. For those aficionados of minimalism and focusing on composition as the forefront for storytelling, this series fits the bill. It’s infinite in clarity yet cohesive in subject matter, all the photographers under this collection aim to explore the stripping of reality. Bringing to the fore imperfections from different narratives and binding them together. The photograph below titled: ‘Aisle Seat’ by Ilias Lois for example, attempts to examine the impossibility of surrendering oneself to the view of horizons under the grandeur of a metropolis.
© Eirini Aggelidi and Nikos Papangelis (Book image curtesy of the artists)
© Anargyros Drolapas and Emily Gaki (Book image curtesy of the artists)
However, what struck me the most when looking at this assembly of images was the collective decision to use newspaper as the body or method of showcasing this work. Newspaper is relatively fragile, and its unreliability allows it to be distributed in a much wider fashion. yet, the utilization of newspaper in this instance is rather interesting. One could approach this book as a mixed media piece, allowing the individual to physically manipulate and play around with its pages.
This idea of creating something with such versatility, even after classifying it as a finished product allows the viewer to participate to some extent in the process of making a book. It creates not just a relationship between the photographs and the viewer but the material on which the images have been placed on as well. A kind of Lego experience is present, as both the photographs and the observer collaborate in the creation and curation of their very own personalized book. ‘Unfold 01: Counterfeit, Counterfeit’, is a somewhat performance piece in its own right, giving the individual a choice: Manipulate and re-work the structure of the pages within the book or accept it as it is.
© Nikos Pappagelis and Anargiros Drolapas (Book image curtesy of the artists)
‘Embers’ by Anargyros Drolapas is a clear example of my previous discussion on the relationship between images. His exploration of Samule Becket’s play: ‘Embers’ highlights the solidarity of an individual’s connection to the sea, attempting to play around with the notion of life and death, the sea in this instance is regarded as a process. It is both the beginning and the end of life. The same could be said for Loise’s examination of horizons, photographs that don’t necessarily demonstrate this at face value but represent their symbolism through obscure subjects, composition and framing.
In conclusion, this issue is as much an analysis about ‘simulation’ as a 2D exhibition. ‘Unfold 01: Counterfeit, Counterfeit’ aims to bring forth the importance of both curation and audience participation.
© Emily Gaki and Anargyros Drolapas (Book image curtesy of the artists)
