Exploring the Human Experience Through Art and Technology
In this insightful interview, we delve into the artistic world of Michalis Charalambous, a visionary artist whose work explores the evolving role of technology, the essence of being human, and the transformative impact of AR and VR technology on the art landscape.
Breaking Boundaries: Drawing inspiration from his Cypriot heritage, Michalis Charalambous merges ancient antiquities with contemporary narratives, creating a captivating blend of physical and virtual elements. His innovative artistic approach has gained recognition, with L'Officiel Cyprus featuring him in an exclusive interview.
How do you see the role of the artist evolving with advancing technology and cultural shifts?
Michalis Charalambous: "I would say that technology is a tool under exploration for an artist. It is a medium, like those used over the centuries, to express profound social and political issues. The only difference, in my opinion, is that it has unlimited potential - for example AI. This process of material recognition and awareness contributes to cultural change and a media revolution."
Your artworks frequently tread the line of what it means to be human. Could you reveal some discoveries or insights from this journey?
Michalis Charalambous: "The exploration of the word "human" through my work starts from my curiosity to explore weaknesses, desires, and the limits of human nature, starting from history. What does being human entail, and what does the condition leave behind? What defines human or non-human? All these form a complex web of timeless questions that I continuously and thoroughly explore. Touch is one of the questions that constantly concerns me, as it is inextricably linked to the human and the non-human."
How has AR and VR technology reshaped the landscape of art from your perspective?
Michalis Charalambous: "VR and AR technology have affected not only the art landscape but also a range of fields. But the most important aspect is that they have given me the possibility to delve into uncharted areas, exploring issues such as time and the direct and simultaneous transfer to different landscapes, which intertwine with identity, culture, the natural, and the non-natural. I am redefining my relationship with nature, culture, other landscapes, foreignness, and difference. I explore themes like connection and embodiment without boundaries."
"The exploration of the word "human" through my work starts from my curiosity to explore weaknesses, desires, and the limits of human nature." Michalis Charalambous
How does your Cypriot heritage influence your art?
Michalis Charalambous: "My relationship with Cypriot history began when I settled in Cyprus after my studies. The figures I explored through Cypriot antiquities seemed familiar, yet they also commanded a sense of respect and admiration that made them not easily approachable. It took time and study to adjust to the influences I had. In my recent work, antiquities are redefined both physically and virtually. Contemporary poetic narratives blend with hybrid forms, creating an imaginary world where the physical and the virtual collaborate to reveal truths about the soul and death."
Tell us about your future projects!
Michalis Charalambous: "At the moment, I am intensively preparing for my solo exhibition at the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. It is a collaboration between the Department of Antiquities and other interdisciplinary organizations. The exhibition revolves around three themes: love, death, and the metaverse. It will consist of a museum installation showcasing both virtual and physical works, along with selected antiquities from the collection. Additionally, educational programs will be held in collaboration with specialist scientists."
Michalis Charalambous is a visual artist based in Nicosia, Cyprus. With a diverse artistic practice encompassing ceramic sculpture, VR, 3D animation, and painting, Michalis graduated from the Fine Arts School of Visual and Applied Arts of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2013. Blending digital technology with traditional media, he explores the intersections between space, body, object, and identity.
