.webp)
Heavy Zeybek
The installation investigates how rhythm and sonic texture can be diverted, slowed down, or distorted through frequencies and vibrations. Eight metallic column-speakers, arranged in a circle, create a field of intensity where the dancer’s body responds to the force of sound upon a minimal marble platform. The work forms part of Panos Charalambous’s ongoing research into the expressions of popular culture in the Balkans and the Mediterranean, re-examining their forms in the present and within the specific context of Piraeus.
Address
Port of Piraeus, Gate E8, Next to the Chill Area
Eight metallic columns-speakers, arranged in a circular formation, pulsate and vibrate with amplified sound signals, creating an environment in which the dancer-performer’s body is exposed and responds to the pressures of sound. The installation explores the possibilities of sonic diversion: how rhythm can be slowed down to stillness, altered, or deconstructed through frequencies, temporal shifts, and sonic distortions. The work is part of Panos Charalambous’s ongoing research into the expressions of popular culture in the Balkan and Mediterranean region — song, dance, festive practices — beyond conventional notions of “authentic revival.” In Piraeus, a port of transformations and crossings, this exploration acquires particular resonance, linking the local context to a broader cultural landscape.
Panos Charalambous (b. 1956, Akarnania, Greece) lives and works in Athens. He has studied at the Athens School of Fine Arts at Nikos Kessanlis' workshop. Charalambous participated in exhibitions internationally, including: 58th Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy (2019); documenta 14, Athens and Kassel (2017); eidos, Besançon (2014); Break-Through, Madrid (2004); Cultural Capital of Europe, Copenhagen (1996); Kunst-Europa, Berlin (1991); Glasgow, Cultural Capital of Europe (1990); III Biennial of Young Artists from Mediterranean Europe, Barcelona (1987); II Biennial of Young Artists from Mediterranean Europe, Thessaloniki (1986).
Solo shows include: AMVRAKIA MIA (2024, CITRONNE Gallery ), Aquis Submersus (2014-15, Atelier Cycladon 8 ); Tobacco Area 1986-2011 (2011, Batagianni Gallery ); Voice-O-Graph (2006-07, Batagianni Gallery); Phonopolis (2003-04, Artio Gallery ); Psychagogia II (2001, Artio Gallery ); 1496-2000 / Como humo se va (1999-2000, Artio Gallery ); and Psychagogia I: Recreation (1997, Artio Gallery).
Also, he was awarded in 2015 by the Association of Art Critics - AICA HELLAS for the exhibition AQUIS SUBMERSUS. He was elected professor emeritus and served as Rector of the Athens School of Fine Arts during the period 2014-2019.
.webp)
