The Absence of Presence & The Presence of Absence
The installation features transparent garments (man's suit and a woman's dress) suspended within a minimalist iron house frame, pair of the artist's red shoes, evoking the delicate interplay between what is materially present and what is emotionally absent.
"What is home?" This question reverberates through the installation "The Absence of Presence." By employing clear plastic garments and a pair of the artist's red shoes, this conceptual artwork delves into the multifaceted nature of home as experienced within the community of Paphos. The installation provides a symbolic, unconventional representation of the city, presenting an artistic narrative that transcends traditional city depictions.
The transparent clothing items evoke themes of emptiness and invisibility, symbolizing the unseen yet crucial presences within the community. In contrast, the red shoes serve as vibrant reminders of each person’s significant memories that endure despite overarching changes.
The artwork explores whether home is where you were born, the temporary space you occupy, or defined by the people who share it with you. It is devoid of physical forms and raises the question of what happens to 'home' when those who define it are no longer present, highlighting the transient yet enduring essence of communal bonds.
By channeling themes of identity, otherness, and the transformation of private spaces into public ones, the installation delves into communal and individual aspects of life. It suggests home is a composite of memories, relationships, and shared experiences. Through this artistic lens, the installation invites viewers to ponder the evolving concept of home in their own lives and within the broader context of the Paphos community. It offers a fresh, symbolic depiction of the city's essence, resonating deeply with the exhibition's aim to investigate and portray the diverse reflections of community life.
Reflections of a Community // 12-20 October 2024 // at Old Powerhouse Cultural Center in Paphos, Cyprus.
The installation “The Absence of Presence and The Presence of Absence” evokes the delicate interplay between what is materially #present and what is emotionally #absent .
It delves into the intricate and emotive notion of ‘home’ within the #community . At its core, the artwork synthesizes themes of absence, presence, identity, and belonging, offering a poignant metaphor for the unity amid division experienced in #Cyprus.
The transparent garments, a man’s suit, and a woman’s dress, suspended in a minimalist iron house frame, embody the unseen yet foundational presences in our communities.
Coupled with a pair of red shoes, the installation evokes the enduring memories and significant experiences that remain even when physical forms dissipate. The work challenges viewers to question: What defines home when those who once defined it are no longer present?
With Cyprus’s diverse topography as a backdrop, this work shifts the focus to the social and emotional contours of the island’s communities. The installation echoes the exhibition’s goal of celebrating commonalities and embracing #contemporary art as a medium to transcend socio-political #barriers.
The Absence of Presence and The Presence of Absence @ Exploring the Cypriot Topography: Unity Amidst Division - 2024 - @Larnaca Municipal Gallery
