we are the dead

Series of nine pictures, based on the themes described in George Orwell’s book “1984”. First presented at “2084” Contrast Photography Festival of Thessaloniki in December 2019. Prints available.

Statement

The oppression of man’s freedom and the fight to win it back has been a constant theme in human history and consequently in literature, theater, cinema. The story changes each time: different time, different place, different means. At the core of the story lies the struggle against any kind of oppression that stems from our innate need for freedom.

With George Orwell’s 1984 in mind, I created nine images that resemble a nightmare. The protagonists are not part of Orwell’s universe; instead, they act inside a non-place and non-time. These nightmarish snapshots use symbolic and surrealistic elements, to describe the struggle against the oppression of personal freedom, with an uncertain outcome.

It is up to the viewer to seek the connection with themselves, the present and reality.

Photography/Set design/Video: Nicki Panou

Photographer’s assistant: Kiriaki Papadopoulou

Costumes: Nicki Panou, Kiriaki Papadopoulou

Models: Stathis Papoulidis, Katerina Ganda, Alexandros Stamatis, Stavros Siagalidis, Christina Papadopoulou