Anagenisis by Christos Gkenoudis
Nottingham Contemporary, 2021
Role: Curator

Christos Gkenoudis (he/she) is a Greek artist based in Nottingham, working predominantly with the mediums of performance and video. Collaborating with 1525 Collective, the artist uses his multidisciplinary practice to respond to the Grace Jones and Jimmy Robert exhibitions, interrogating the themes of identity, gender, and sexuality. Accompanied by a pulsating sound, distorted visuals and a reading of Sappho’s “Ode to Aphrodite,” “Anagenisis” is a sensual performance piece which reflects the artist’s own exploration of his Greek heritage and Queer identity.

Inspired by Jones’ dresses included in the exhibition, the white costumes created for this performance piece mirror the art and garments of Ancient Greece, while the expressive poses echo the title of Robert’s exhibition “Akimbo” (with hands on hips). The pinned fabrics and expressive makeup embody the notion of constructing or concealing identity, while touching on the themes of ephemerality and fantastical landscapes which interest the artist.

Joined by members of 1525 Collective, Christos projects these ideas onto the Queer body, questioning his own identity and prompting the viewer to do the same.