INBETWEEN CATALOGUE

Reflections of Solitude: A Journey into the Inbetween

The exhibition INBETWEEN was held on March 9, 2022, by the graduating artist Valia Lolidou, as her final showcase at the School of Visual and Applied Arts AUTH. This catalogue offers to the reader a visual journey, which encapsulates the essence of the exhibition and presents a comprehensive exploration of the individual installations.

INBETWEEN delves into the concept of inherent loneliness, emphasizing that each person's experience is unique and therefore isolated. The exhibition contemplates the use of self-reflections as a means of companionship. The artworks explore the fragile balance between solitude and the human desire for connection. Through a series of thought-provoking installations, the artist guides the viewer via a path that blurs the boundaries between reality and reflection.

The triptych of installations featured in INBETWEEN immerses visitors in an eerie and introspective atmosphere.
The installation THE DOUBLE confronts viewers with two tables—one holding an effigy and the other hosting a live performance by the artist herself. Enclosed within nylon plastic, the scene evokes a sense of isolation, emphasizing the longing for human connection.

In the installation SEVEN HEADS, seven silicone heads mounted on metal poles create an uncanny display. Partially veiled by nylon, the heads blur the boundaries between the realms of human and artificial existence. As the line between real and fake objects becomes hazy, contemplation ensues, compelling us to question the very essence of being. With each silent face, the installation challenges our preconceived notions, prompting introspection on the complex nature of connection and the enigmatic bonds we forge.

The third installation MIRROR ROOM forms a 1.85 by 2.50 meters room, its floor covered with shattered pieces of mirror. Black reflective walls and cold spot lighting generate fragmented lights that illuminate the space. As visitors navigate through the mirror room, they are confronted with their own reflections, immersing themselves in a fragmented and disorienting experience of the "inbetween."

INBETWEEN harnesses a variety of materials, including nylon, metal, black paint, silicone, resin, and shattered mirrors, to create a chilling and ethereal atmosphere. The deliberate use of cold and low lighting adds to the overall sense of solitude and introspection. The strategic positioning of installations guides visitors through a journey of repetition and fragmentation, provoking contemplation on the blurred boundaries between reality and the subconscious.

WAC’23

VALIA LOLIDOU