Culture

Within a context of constant crisis, it is evident that culture is not a priority for policymakers around the world, as well as for many people who struggle to satisfy some of their most basic needs. 'Culture' reflects on this precarious condition by not being able to perform its major function: lighting up. The source of its power (the socket) appears too far to be reached. Inevitably, then, in order for "Culture" to shine, either the work should be moved closer to the source of power, or some extra element has to be added between the neon's cable and the socket to establish a connection. However, the artificial lack of cable at one side of the electric circuit and the waste of cable at the other underline the absurdity that defines the current historical conjuncture and the construction of economic and cultural disparities. At the same time, by being written with antique lettering, the work also alludes to other aspects of the work's socio-historical context. Thus, 'Culture' could also be perceived as a reference to the Greek economic crisis of 2009-2018 and the way it has redefined Greece's image as a global symbol of socioeconomic failure. Or, perhaps, one could associate the work with Latin and the case of Italy, which played its own role in the Eurozone bebt crisis. Finally, one could not fail to notice the kitsch aesthetic of the sign, which imitates an ancient visual style through a banal contemporary material. In this context, the work may constitute an invitation to rethink the (visual) culture of the pre-crisis era and re-examine its true value. At a time when the extravagant, consumerist lifestyle that led to the crisis is re-emerging, art should make a stance by calling for simplicity, directness, "honesty" and, in the end, elemental beauty.