2M

Do you we need distance to get closer?
The Blender Gallery proudly presents the group show exhibition “2M” at the gallery’s backyard with artworks that intervene in the space, urging the viewer to reflect on his position on it and probably experiences the aesthetic distance. The title “2M” derives from the distance that we are instructed to keep in the unprecedented conditions these days. Distance is a numerical measure of how far an object is. In physical or daily use, distance can refer to a physical length or an assessment based on other criteria.In most cases, the “distance from A to B” is interchangeable with the “distance from B to A”, just as the viewer’s distance from an artwork. Distance can be determined in two ways, by how close or how far two objects are. The Blender Gallery turns its backyard into an exhibition space and invites the artists Kostas Berdeklis, Anna Charaktinou, Nikos Giavropoulos, Dionisios Fragias, Apollonas Mathioudakis, Eliona Ntoukni  to investigate through their works and interventions what differentiates A from B, whether A is the beginning and B the end or the other way around? How do we perceive distance? What do we allow, what do we accept, where do we set our limits? The differences between the outdoor and the interior space are obvious when it comes to the presentation of the artworks. From the lighting, which in this case is natural, therefore altering the artworks’ forms during the day, to the external sounds which give a different viewing experience to that of a white cube. Last but not least, in this alternative exhibition display, the visitors may choose different routes to explore the art, as the backyard’s exit (A) can be perceived as the entrance (B) and vice versa.  What can be included in the distance between them? Is it an interesting route with obstacles or is it a straight and safe path with a clear destination?  In art, the viewing and reading of a work, varies and is determined by parameters such as time, space and the media. Ιt is therefore necessary to make a distinction between two types of distance. The viewing distance is a part of the process of analyzing an artwork and it is determined by its size, its content and the surrounding space.* On the topic of how an artwork is perceived, it is definitely very important to consider the impact of projection time, but this is only one part of the whole experience. On the other hand, in experimental research, display distance, is usually determined in the context of lab work, it refers to artwork displays on computer screens. Staying in touch with the art world through digital way is more popular than ever.  In a digital viewing, the viewer does not experience the artwork in the same way as they do in a physical viewing. In the latter case, the viewer moves back and forth, around or even on top of the artwork to receive and comprehend the visual cues, they experience the viewing with all their bodies. When visitors enter an art space, become obvious that they change the viewing distance from one artwork  to another in an obvious way. The art term Aesthetic Distance refers to the gap between the viewer’s conscious reality and the imaginary reality of an artwork. When a viewer is absorbed by the artwork’s world, then the artist has achieved a strong  aesthetic distance. For some visitors, entering a gallery is discouraging either because they are not familiar with the subject and are uncomfortable with the thought that they will be asked questions the answers of which they may not possess, or because they are never anonymous as they are often asked to fill their contact in contact forms, or, finally because of the austerity of the white box. How many of them know though that white is the color preferred for art galleries, as it is considered effective in creating a “clean” space, a void-like atmosphere in which art can live without distractions. Not repulsive at all, what do you think? When the viewer overcomes the “fear” and leaves the distance aside, and stands in front of an artwork, observes it, and fully immerses in it, it is then when the artist has achieved the aesthetic distance. The question remains the same, not only in art but also in everyday life. Do we need distance to get closer? * After the end this day, the artworks will be transferred inside the gallery, so the visitors who want to visit the gallery again, they can experience and contrast the distance from the outside to the inside. Then they will be called to respond anonymously to a questionnaire about this experience. On the exhibition day,

ψθρ will play some music live.
Ney, voices and echoes: Giorgos Amarantidis
Acoustic guitar with reverb: Yannis Iliopoulos
Acoustic guitar with delay: Konstantinos Berdeklis