Kostis Velonis Explores Puppetry and Philosophy in 2013 Exhibition

In 2013, Kostis Velonis presented an exhibition titled Gra(m)mary of Puppetry, featuring 22 pieces that include collages, sculptures, and inkjet prints. The title cleverly combines terms such as 'grammary' (an old form of grammar), 'gramary' (associated with magic), and the Greek prefix 'gram' (to write), positioning puppetry as a concept of control and life force. Notable works like Neptune and Moon Miranda allude to astrological charts, while Entre Nous showcases theatrical masks on a stone chair, inspired by Claude Cahun’s gender and role reversal themes. Touching Hades, a sculpture at ground level made of wood and granite, represents the underworld and the duality of puppetry. Grotto (Every Thought Flies) takes cues from the Bomarzo Monster Park, commissioned by Pier Francesco Orsini, with its inscription highlighting life's transience. The exhibition explores philosophical ideas, including human subjectivity and object-oriented philosophy by Graham Harman, as well as speculative materialism from Ray Brassier and Quentin Meillassoux, challenging the supremacy of thought over objective reality. It was initially reviewed in the Summer 2013 edition of ArtReview.