Uncertain monumental merchandise
+ a film that didn’t premiere yet
Danai Anagnostou
12-18.2.2018
OPENING: Monday 12.2.2018, 18-21
CLOSING: Sunday 18.2.2018, 18-21
VISITING HOURS: Open every day from 12-20 until 18.2, with the exception of 15.2.
FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/149147759060143/
"The present exhibition is a translation of the narrative, aesthetics and procedure of my work as a production designer in the film, “The Forest” (directed by Lia Tsalta, 2017). The designed set constructed a spatial environment of a sterile, clean-cut white contemporary exhibition space, which remained very dominant throughout the whole imagery of film. The installation piece is as well an experiential reflection on the politics and problematics of the standard hierarchical modus operandi of the film industry in a wider extent.
Conventionally, a film set is built partially and incompletely, appearing concrete only through specific lenses placed in exact positions. It is principally designed to be non-functional so the structure can be deconstructed and frequently discarded once the shooting is complete. Jenga is a game about equilibrium, static and balance; which depends on concentration and physical skill. Its name derives from the Swahili word kujenga, meaning “to build”. When a Jenga is set up and ready to be played, it resembles the vertical architecture of a tower epitomizing strong structures that hold the capacity to restrict movement and disrupt fluidity via confinement.
Working as a production designer causes temporary accumulation of numerous possessions. In physical realm, the image of a tower might represent asphyxious entanglements caused by collected items. Being involved in handling complete materiality of a production that gets fixed by profession, might impose yet another limitation within one’s practice.
“The Forest” is a futuristic short film, directed by Lia Tsalta, shot in June 2017 in Athens. Mimicking the trope and the recurrent motif of posh minimalism through the design and construction of the film set, was an attempt to dissect its chronic adoration and iconic value, thereby classifying it with other “dystopic” symptoms."
Danai Anagnostou (b. 1993, Athens) is a research-based artist and production designer. Currently pursuing an MA in Visual Culture from Aalto University (Helsinki) she holds an MA of Architectural Design from Vakalo College of Art & Design (Athens). In her current work she negotiates the politics and on-going developments in designs and re-appropriation of domesticity, custody and leisure through videos, installations and texts. Being intensively involved in the film industry has determined her interest in the figurative aspects and critical analysis of spaces designed from certain positions and for specific purposes.