Fotini Stamatelopoulou: NEAR MISSES

NEAR MISSES is a performance/sound work that emerges from a set of rituals linked to ex-votos and protective wear. Physical ceremonials pertaining to life and death, identity and sexuality radiate through a sense of persistence. A series of detachable metal objects generate a suit of armor, a personal iron and sound altar, to host an overexposed and effortful composition on modes of gaining strength, faith, and hope.

The work includes material collected during a kinetic, sonic, and historical research on human anatomy and body image, as well as material from various religious ceremonies, images, vows, and protection rituals. It seeks to produce social and personal meanings around the contemporary idea of faith, the need for freedom in vulnerability and in silence and rage, and the acquisition of power through collectivity.

As a co-partner of the project, Panos Alexiadis (sound design) develops the sound’s physicality, with attention to the perception of sound by the body of the performer and the audience. Dimitris Tampakis (metal sculptures / wearables) composes a set of detachable elements forming an armor that protects, supports, and enhances the body’s capacities, maximizing and challenging the potential of every act of effort and transcendence through the performance.

Fotini Stamatelopoulou is an Onassis AiR Fellow for 2023-24 in the framework of Grand Luxe Network. Onassis Stegi’s participation in the network is developed as part of its Outward Turn Program initiatives.

Credits of the research process:

Artistic direction, performance making: Fotini Stamatelopolou

Performance, texts: Fotini Stamatelopoulou

Music composition, sound design: Panos Alexiadis

Metal wearables, sculptural elements: Dimitris Tampakis

Dramaturgical advice: Elena Novakovits

Lighting plan: Stavros Kariotoglou