THE BACCHAE PROJECT

This project aims to understand, explore and possibly reinterpret through contemporary visual art a thematic of Euripides ‘The Bacchae’. The intention is first to read Euripides, explore notions of the nature and character of Dionysus and his character traits as may be perceived in contemporary society. I aim to examine modernity’s fascination with the myth of Dionysus by focusing on questions of: agency, identity, community, psychological integrity and modern constitution of the self.

This Project is composed of paintings in oils on canvas. 120x100cm, preliminary and explorative drawings, 3D masks and writing as mediums in the execution of the body of work. Artistic creation depends on a tension between two opposing forces, which Nietzsche terms the “Apollonian” and the “Dionysian,” although I will be focusing primarily on the creativity of the Dionysian tension.

The Bacchae Project Titles:

No. 1 - Γέννηση του Διόνυσου    – Birth of Dionysus
No. 2 - Άφιξη στη Θήβα    –       Arrival at Thebes
No. 3 - Οι Μαιανδες –       The Maenads
No. 4 - Οι Εννέα Φωνές –       Nine Voices
No. 5 - Ο βασιλιάς Πένθεος    - King Pentheus
No. 6 - Η σύλληψη του Διόνυσου –       The Capture of Dionysus
No. 7 - Η Tρέλλα Aρχίζει    –    The Madness Begins
No. 8 - Θάνατος του Πενθέου –    Death of Pentheus
No. 9 - Η Αάβα ξυπνά –    Agave Awakens
No. 10 - Ο θρίαμβος του Διονύσου –    Triumph of Dionysus

“Through abstraction Demetris Tsouris skilfully depicts the opposite sides of human nature based on Euripides play “The Bacchae”. The rational and the instinctual aspects of human nature are represented with strong contrasting colours, shapes and forms, enticing the viewer to question universal themes such as, individuality vs. collectivism, self-indulgence vs. prudence, sexuality vs. spirituality, and the overall human condition as experienced in the material world”.

Andry Karpasiti – ELEMENTS Gallery. Cyprus.