EXHIBITION: “Reverse Fireworks in Slow Motion” by Kostas Lambridis at the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in New York
This show has been extended until December 23
Photography Matt Harrington. Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery.
Reverse Fireworks in Slow Motion is Athens-based artist Kostas Lambridis’ first state-side solo show and is presented by the Carpenters Workshop Gallery in New York. The gallery has just extended the exhibition until December 23, 2023.
In this show, Lambridis unveils nine new works of furniture art. The essence of the exhibition is a departure from the artist’s defining practice of combining an array of fragmented materials as he explores a more mono-material approach which includes metal, wood, mineral, and plastic. Each of these sculptures is peculiarly functional and yields a complexity through its blend of elemental materials and construction.
“There is a structure in the way I work that has become more of a limitation, than an open door. With the excuse of this new show, I wanted to face the void,” says Lambridis. “When you look at my previous work, there is a certain level of complexity. I realized if you focus on one material, like wood, eventually you realize there is the same level of complexity within that material.”
Photography Matt Harrington. Courtesy of Carpenters Workshop Gallery.
In this collection of work, Lambridis treats each element equally, highlighting its significance and creating harmony within it through his craftsmanship. This methodological and intuitive approach into the manipulation of a material intrinsically takes time and Lambridis shares that this process offered an experience like that of “capturing the spectacle of fireworks in slow motion.” A new, awe-inducing perspective emerged as the artist examined a process in reverse.
Reverse Fireworks in Slow Motion transcends the traditional perception of fireworks as fleeting, forgotten spectacles. It reimagines these bursts as profound expressions of art, intertwining raw materials and creativity. It is also a playful homage to the artistic realm and a deliberate subversion of preconceived notions surrounding artworks dubbed ‘fireworks’ – typically associated with hasty assembly and instant gratification. This reverse perspective prompts the viewer to pause and contemplate the intricate mechanics.
Some of the materials that Labridis’ uses are pure, while others are repurposed. In Aerial Shell, Labridis weaved polished aluminum and metal from car parts into a sculpture that exudes an air of antiquity akin to chariots, but with a steampunk edge. Materials from his friend’s VW Beetle and old Citroën 2CVs, a ubiquitous car in Greece that holds great nostalgic power, are involved in the design. The hard steel casing recedes in the softer copper details, providing a metaphor for the transition of state. It is a functional piece that opens from both front and back to unveil a bar space for serving. This is where form meets function in Labridis’ work.
Interior Ignition Stage is a chair and stool made of various woods from African iroko to Greek olive to American walnut. It epitomizes the beauty of these natural materials and celebrates its warmth and character. It is crafted from the consistent material improvisations made by Lambridis and his collaborative team of woodworking artisans.
Lambridis ensured each material was equally tended to and treated the entire material spectrum of All You Need is Some Oxygen as a space for exploration and the pursuit of beauty. It is a sculptural piece with an amalgamation of natural materials such as glass, ceramics, concrete, and marble. It is a balance of complexity and purity. To create a cohesive final composition, Lambridis gave himself deliberate constraints to work within – these rules transformed the creative process into an engaging challenge and the result is an unexpected configuration of boldness.
You can follow more of Lambridis’ work here.
