PANOS CHARALAMPIDIS + MARY CHAIRETAKI - EXPOSURE INTERNATIONAL OPEN CALL

Inherently Unpredictable and Reassuringly Expectable

This body of work echoes a sinister omen from the future. “1866 Sisyphus” is the name of a near Earth asteroid, discovered by astronomer Paul Wild in 1972. Measuring 6-9 km in diameter, in the occasion of colliding with earth, life will end. In an imaginary scenario, we bring Sisyphus down on earth during its nearest crossing on November 24, 2071.

The end of the world is used as the core to form a layered body of work, which will engage the viewer into pondering on the meaning of existence. The imagery consists of a non-indexed collection of evidence that converge towards a future accident. Although photography is central to our approach, we apply a broader arsenal of types, by collecting printed material, and incorporating found images and texts, video stills, readymade objects, sounds, etc. On a more functional level, we conceal, fracture, recontextualize and blend facts with fiction.

Our aim is to visualize a Sisyphean condition, a hypothetical certainty of absolute futility: all-life in earth will cease to exist.

BIOGRAPHY

Panos Charalampidis and Mary Chairetaki are a Greek artists duo, living in Crete. Their artistic work is based on a personal approach, compining documentary and conceptual practices. They like to be committed to long-term projects, immersing in their subjects’ world. Their work has been featured in international festivals and publications.