Renowned for his eclectic style, Greek visual artist Konstantin Kakanias presents his retrospective exhibition Divine Personality Disorder at the Rebecca Camhi Gallery. Carefully curated by the artist himself and Rebecca Camhi, Divine Personality Disorder highlights his multifaceted work, featuring a wide selection of paintings, magazine illustrations, sculptures, photographs and sound recordings produced from 1996 to the present day and unveils the artist’s approach to childhood trauma, sexuality, consumerism, religion, social class, addiction and despair.
His versatile themes spanning across a wide range of subject matters, from disturbing imaginary narratives to glamorous caricatures, lead the viewer into the darker side of Kakanias’ inner world. Dreams, nightmares, memories, obsessions and introspective reflections unfold, introducing us to his peculiar world and his concerns on human condition. As the artist himself phrases it, “Whether through comedy or satire, and with complete freedom, my work is a constant search for the balance between the extremely superficial world and my innermost self, in order to reveal my pathos and obsessions.”
Bringing together cosmopolitanism, Greek identity, fine irony, an exquisite sense of humor and personal history, Kakanias’ art is authentic and extremely versatile. His artistic style is fluid and vibrant, with attention to detail. His art bridges fine art and illustration and his subject matter is essentially a witty critique of contemporary culture. His artistic influences range from classical Greek art to surrealism and pop culture.
Fashion has always been an important aspect of Kakanias’ career. Capturing the essence of fashion with a touch of humor and wit, Kakanias has successfully collaborated with luxury fashion houses, including Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Christian Lacroix and prestigious publications, such as The New York Times, Vogue, Vanity Fair and Town & Country.
Kakanias’ work, often infused with classical antiquity elements, mythology, ancient Greek aesthetics, and Mediterranean culture, reflects his deep connection to Greek history. Simple, elegant classical forms, Greek landscapes and Greek mythological references frequently appear in his works. His art often juxtaposes classical Greek themes with contemporary culture, bridging the gap between antiquity and modernity.
An acute observer of social norms and the fashion world, Kakanias uses his wit and humor to approach pretention and absurdities. In this respect, Mrs Tependris epitomizes his satirical spirit and embodies high society eccentricity, opulence and charm. Through this wealthy, eccentric socialite, Kakanias embarks on a playful critique of the art world, fashion, vanity and social quirks. Mrs. Tependris is not just a character but a reflection of Kakanias’ sharp observation of the world.
Born and raised in Greece, Kakanias retains a deep emotional and cultural connection to his homeland. Greek heritage permeates his art in both subtle and overt ways. His Greek upbringing remains an intrinsic part of his identity and worldview. He embraces Greek identity while engaging with global artistic trends. His work often reflects the duality of being a modern Greek artist navigating a cosmopolitan art world. Greek heritage, time spent in Paris and his life in LA significantly contribute to his art, shaping artistic references and themes, as his personal experiences are inevitably reflected in his work. The interplay between his Greek upbringing, life in Los Angeles, and personal references create a unique perspective through which Kakanias views the world.
Konstantin Kakanias talks to Greek News Agenda* about the way he approaches art and life.
The title of your retrospective exhibition, Divine Personality Disorder, is smart and catchy. How did you come up with it?
Thank you very much! I love the word “divine”, it has a spiritual, eternal meaning, but also a camp element – and that is very much reflected in my work. This duality and constant search between the profound wisdom and the divine light -and the superficiality of the everyday “divine“- is very much on my mind.
Tell us about the legendary Mrs. Tependris. Timeless, cosmopolitan, eccentric, chic and so adorable. How was this persona created and when was she first introduced to the public?
Mrs Tependris is a jigsaw of people, memories, feelings. It is not only my own creation; it is the creation of many friends and also not friends. I have based this character on many real and not real people. It is a work in progress, she is organic and lives with us, she is part of us. The first notion of a parallel life with an imaginary friend, appeared to me as a savior from solitude when I was a young kid in Athens. I was totally bored and I needed to amuse myself, but I was not interested in games, sports and other children activities, I was interested in the life of Imagination. It was more fun and also felt safer. And had no boundaries or boring adult restrictions .
Your visual universe is exuberant; you have expressed yourself through painting, sculpture, decoration, design, illustration, fashion. Do you believe there are certain qualities common in all of your artworks, irrespective of the medium used?
This is not up to me to say. I am just the instrument of work – and yes, to answer your question, the common thing is that Ι have painted them or thought of them or imagined them. But all of these works speak about other different things.
I do believe, though, that my strength as an artist is this freedom of expression, liberated of styles and genres. But, of course, this has a high price, as collectors often say that I am not focused. Many times people, and, funnily enough, straight men, tell me that Mrs Tependris is boring, or that I am better than her and although that makes me angry at the moment, afterwards I realize that it is their problem and their insecurities. There is no right and wrong.
Do you feel that art must meet certain requirements to be recognized as such?
Please let me know these requirements. I am in constant search for them. To me the only requirement is: Be Yourself.
You have worked with The New York Times, Town and Country, Vogue, Vanity Fair as well as fashion giants such as Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Lacroix, Christian Louboutin, Tiffany & Co and Barneys New York. What does it take to work with such prestigious brands?
I love design and clothes, fabrics and jewelry. I always have, since Ι was a young boy. Maybe this love for such things gives me the ability to adapt to the vocabulary and DNA of different brands. For instance, I recently collaborated with Cartier for a couple of projects. Studying the vast repertoire and imagery of this iconic brand, was not only interesting to me but also enriching.
And although, when I create for a brand, I am less able to express unconscious feelings and deeper thoughts, I am able to do it in a undirect way, the meanings and messages are given through the lens of commerce, but that has its power too. It is just less direct.
You’ve lived in Athens, Paris, NY and LA. Which of these cities has influenced you most as an artist?
I love all these cities, and all have given me so many gifts. But Paris is my soft spot. I always live in Paris in my mind…
*Interview by Dora Trogadi
TAGS: ARTS