Scratching the Surface

The exhibition “Scratching the Surface” deals with the element of experience within the two-dimensional medium of photography. One engages the infinite information concealed beneath the surface of a photograph. What is to be revealed is either true or misleading, in both situations will trigger the act of observation for the viewer. Within the photographic entity of Orestis Kourakis, the elements of conflict and of the paradox found in our desires and our existence, capture us under isolation and alienation. When encountering the elusive reflection, the solid and rigid reality, which side of the mirror will one choose to embrace? Christian Rupp in his self portrait ‘I shot myself “reveals the inverted image of his face by experimenting with light projecting from an ordinary flashlight to result in a distorted image highlighted by this light path. Fanis Logothetis calls upon us to define ourselves within the urban landscape and to complete an inner journey within soul of a city. In so, the act of observation becomes an experience and the experience is converted into an image. The use of the techniques of decomposition and reconstruction in the work of Nikos Samourelis constitute a mechanism of self-defense in which the original image appears distorted for as long as the brain will allow this temporary deception. In “Scratching the Surface” one is to select the information dominant within the photographic image and retrieve it to the surface. The outcome is a realm of semantic choices and elements that involve our personality.