Vasilis Papageorgiou is an acclaimed artist born in Athens, Greece, in 1991, and currently residing and creating in the vibrant city of Athens. Through his thought-provoking practice, he delves into the realms of togetherness, communication, and loneliness, while also exploring the expressions of competition in our everyday lives. His focus centers around semi-private/semi-public spaces like bars, small-scale casinos, and local football stadiums, where people come together to reclaim the essence of free time and the right to be alone, yet united.
Vasilis Papageorgiou ingeniously reimagines and rearticulates the imagery of these places, giving birth to new narratives that resonate with our daily experiences. His work centers on the individual amidst various societal groups, challenging the concept of ‘the collective’ in relation to ‘the individual.’ This exploration delves into the intriguing friction between these two notions. By creating immersive atmospheres and sculptural situations, Papageorgiou draws inspiration from the remnants of the past—objects that are often overlooked and underestimated. He seeks to reformulate the significance of seemingly unimportant materiality that surrounds us. Additionally, the notion of “luck” and its symbols play a decisive role in his artistic practice, imbuing his work with a profound sense of meaning and value.
In his latest body of work, Papageorgiou masterfully formulates scenarios of rest labor and productivity, leading to the emergence of new realms of imagination. These artworks challenge the very essence of value within contemporary society and the art system.
The artist employs a multifaceted approach in his installations, combining sculptures, drawings, metal constructions, and minimal spatial interventions. Through this captivating visual language, he articulates an idiosyncratic poetry that captivates the viewer’s senses.