Notes to Self

Omikron Gallery launches its autumn programme with «Notes to Self», the first group exhibition organised at the gallery. With the intention to explore and investigate the visual production of a new generation in Cyprus, it introduces the work of twelve young artists at the beginning of their career.

Born in the 1980s, these artists belong to a generation which grows up with the internet, the digital image and social networking sites, such as Facebook and Twitter. They are raised in an age of extreme technological advancement and come to learn both its advantages –free flow of information, knowledge and images– and disadvantages –the ‘big brother’ phenomenon, infringement of personal data, and environmental destruction. They are also part of a generation who have witnessed the collapse of the myth of happy co-existence under the umbrella of a globalised society and have come face to face with dramatic political developments, terrorist attacks and armed conflict and warfare – all splashed live across our TV screens. On a local level, these artists experience the transition to a post-invasion society, which although prosperous continues to be defined by the complexity of the ‘Cyprus problem’.

Within this specific sociopolitical framework, the featured artists experiment, explore, create and share many similarities as well as differences. The majority lives and works abroad, usually in the cities they studied in –e.g. London, Athens, Hamburg, Cologne, Richmond (Virginia). Apart from a few exemptions, their work is characterized by a notable shift from traditional artistic mediums (such as drawing and sculpture) to video, sound and digitally manipulated images. At the same time, they fall under the charm of older techniques -such as developing and using super8 film-, prefabricated pieces, found and used materials, which they transform into poetic sculptures and installations. Many also use the written form, either as a personal narrative or as an integral part of their works, or as a theoretical underpinning of their practice. Recurring themes include the human form and the exploration of identity and sexuality, the growing awareness of destruction and the relationship between personal and collective memories.

“Notes to self” is not an attempt to group these artists under specific headings and movements, but wishes instead to allow enough space for their investigations, ideas and thoughts to develop. The title does not imply introversion, but recognises the inclination to start talking about the world by beginning with what is close at hand and intimate.

Artists taking part in the exhibition:
Evelyn Anastasiou, Marianna Christofides, Peter Eramian, Giorgos Ioannou, Stelios Kallinikou, Orestis Lambrou, Eleni Mouzourou, Faysal Mroueh (with the participation of James Fuller and Andrew Bever), Alexandros Pissourios, Maria Pithara, Leontios Toumpouris, Philippos Vasiliades.

The exhibition is curated by Elena Parpa.
Special Advisor: Polis Peslikas

Opening: Friday October 8, at 8pm. The exhibition will be open until November 16th.

At 8:30pm on the opening day, Eleni Mouzourou will be presenting an “action” entitled ‘Τeilnehmen’.

Opening Hours
Daily: 10.00-1.00 and 16.00-20.00
Saturday: 10.00-14.00