Orestis Lazouras
Super Paradise
June 17, 2018–August 31, 2018The Breeder Playroom
Orestis Lazouras showcases a series of works inspired by a bar in the occupied side of Nicosia.
The illicit space that hosts the nightlife of the Cypriot Art scene decorated with faux bricks, mandalas and psychedelic drawings, exploring the balance between spirituality and rave culture, decorative and conceptual work, true love and a one night stand. Large circular bamboo shapes with tie-dyed skins imitate the structure of a dreamcatcher (traditionally used as protection). Stretched tie-dyes fabrics and net tops onto the bamboo structures with hang necklaces and broaches remind religious offerings in the hopes of a better future. In the greek religious tradition offerings are made to saints for either good health or good luck, It’s a give and take situation. Lazouras wanted to create a safe space with a series of hand dyed floor pillows that can also be used as a lounge area as the ultimate abode of the just.
The title of the show “Super Paradise” is taken from the known bar in Mykonos, where it hosts endless night adventures as he felt it was appropriate for his sanctuary-like room.
The sculptures could have been made during a conversation between friends that leads to the realisation that spiritual orbs have been in fact reflective fabric dust leftovers from a bag-pack. Making their spirituality a false projection. A hazardous practice using styling as it’s main technique, mainly constructed with found or given items to create the compositions. With familiar objects and settings, the artist attempts to set the tone of a first date where the spiritual union can result to either a hit or a miss. Due to the artist’s romantic nature every sculpture has been a love story between the work and himself.
Orestis Lazouras (b. 1994, Nicosia, Cyprus) is based in Nicosia. His work has been presented in group exhibitions at Transmission Gallery, Glasgow “Wet flannel on my side, like a saddle on a horse” and at Glasgow International “Bradley xx” (both in 2016); “Future of colour” curated by Jan Verwoert at the Cyprus Pavilion (as part of 57th Venice Biennale of Art), Terra Mediteranea, Nimac, Nicosia, Cyprus, “Athens and It’s Periphery in Regards to Contemporary Painting”, The Breeder Gallery, Athens, “Soft Stone Documents” curated by Jan Verwoert, Limac, Limassol (all in 2017). In 2013, he became a member of Neoterismoi Toumazou (Neo Toum), a collective and a project space based in Nicosia, Cyprus where he presented his first solo exhibition “KIM SHISH KEBAB” in 2015. In 2016 he had his second solo show “Studio” in Volks, Cyprus. In the same year he released his first album under the name ‘Kim Shisha’ and has performed at “LES URBAINES”, Lausanne (2017), and CYPRUS PRIDE, Nicosia (2018). Lazouras’ practice is primarily influenced by local romanticism, fictional identities as well as a constant exploration of modern-day culture as he perceives it.
