Thighs of Demeter, 2022
2,5 x 8,2 x 12 m
The goddess Demeter and her daughter, Persephone, offer the ideal narrative for the merging of the inorganic with the organic element and how seemingly different entities and physical phenomena, defined by movement or immobility, animate and inanimate matter, flourishing and withering, can overlap and not work in opposition. The installation is a strict geometric delimitation that functions as a mechanism of gestation and harvesting, with agricultural activities being linked to the erotic act. However, the erotic narrative in this monumental sculptural installation is not only underlined by the triangular shape of its structure, but is also found in the functionality of the construction. The “thighs of Demeter” function as an insect shelter with floors consisting of different recyclable materials and plants, which “seduce” all kinds of insects that assist in the pollination process. The architectural scale of the construction connects to the notion of moira as protractor measurement unit with the notion of moira as destiny and luck. The stakes of this upright and vertical anthropomorphic field do not only concern the surface of the earth and the height of a “wind-friendly” structure, but also address a reverse course, where height can be understood as an ultimate depth. All the agricultural activities that Demeter (earth mother) takes care of by plowing, sowing and harvesting, also involve the chthonic element. Persephone and her stay in Hades for some months of the year reflect the continuation of a permanent existential narrative with the natural life cycle of plants as a symbol of birth, death and rebirth.
MYSTERY 22 | Straw falling on concrete floors
Kostis Velonis
2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture @2023eleusis
Wednesday-Sunday 17:00-21:00
Old Olive Mill, Elefsina
28/8 - 23/10
Cur. by Zoi Moutsokou @zoi_moutsokou , Ioanna Gerakidi @ioanna.gerakidi
Architectural curation: A Whale’s architects @a_whales_architects & Diogenis Verigakis @diogenisver
opbo studio @opbostudio
Scientific and material contribution: Agricultural University of Athens @agricultural_university_athens
