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until 25.01. | #4507ARTatBerlin | Galerie Judin shows from 16. November 2024 (Opening 15.11. ) the exhibtion The More It Hurts, the Less It Shows by the artist Kiriakos Tompolidis.
In his first solo exhibition at Galerie Judin, Kiriakos Tompolidis delves into the intimate world of his family history and presents a narrative rooted in his personal experiences. The artist invites us to follow the path of his Greek grandparents, who emigrated to Germany in search of a better life. Both they and his parents endeavoured to adapt to a new culture and strived for seamless integration. For Tompolidis and his sister, however, this experience led to a sense of separation that raised questions about identity, belonging and the concept of home.
Pomegranate on Plate, 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer, on linen, 25 × 35 cm
The paintings in the exhibition offer a portrait of his family members, each with different perspectives on these themes, and reflect Tompolidis’ exploration of a life between two cultures. The series of 16 paintings looks at this ‘in-between space’, as the artist describes it, and captures the tension between two worlds. While family and togetherness are central motifs, the figures in these works often appear isolated, immersed in their own thoughts and feelings. A pervasive sense of loneliness and quiet melancholy runs through the exhibition, emphasising the complexity of identity and cultural adaptation.
Tetelestai (Triptych), 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer on linen, 180 × 280 cm
In his first solo exhibition at Galerie Judin, Kiriakos Tompolidis explores the migration path of his Greek family, who came to Germany in the 1960s as part of a ‘wave of guest workers’. His grandparents, who were originally supposed to return to their homeland, eventually settled in the Ruhr region. This migration history has strongly influenced Tompolidis, who reflects on the interplay between guest status and citizen identity as well as the cultural contrasts between Greece and Germany.
Mother and Daughter, 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer, on linen, 150 × 135 cm
The exhibition showcases Tompolidis’ exploration of intergenerational memories through a series of paintings that incorporate family portraits, objects and domestic patterns. His use of wallpaper, carpets and textiles symbolises notions of home and cultural heritage.
Curve, 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer, on linen, 40 × 30 cm
In particular, he uses an unusual technique in which real printed papers are chemically fused to the canvas, leaving the motifs behind while the paper dissolves. This process lends an authentic flavour to the visual textures and allows personal and historical references to merge seamlessly.
Leaving, 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer, on canvas, 170 × 130 cm
Religious themes also take centre stage in his most recent works, in which he reinterprets Greek Orthodox symbols. In one painting, Tompolidis replaces traditional icons with self-portraits, capturing the search for spiritual meaning in his post-migrant generation.
Kitchen with Potatoes, 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer, on linen, 160 × 140 cm
Other works show intimate family moments, such as his mother and sister preparing to go to church, or a depiction of his grandmother’s oil lamp – an allusion to Greek Easter customs. With these works, Tompolidis suggests that for many young immigrants, religious practices have more to do with tradition than with genuine faith.
Still Life with Fish and Chili, 2024, Oil and acrylic, on linen, 90 × 70 cm
Tompolidis’ characteristic approach combines personal narratives with innovative artistic techniques, building a bridge between tradition and modernity. He was born in Essen in 1997 and graduated from the Berlin University of the Arts in 2024. His distinctive style, which focuses on collages and themes of identity, has quickly attracted international attention.
Collection, 2024, Oil, acrylic and photo transfer, on canvas, 170 × 125 cm
His residency at The Cabin in Los Angeles in 2023 marked his entry into the global art scene. He is now represented by Galerie Judin and his work will be featured in upcoming exhibitions in New York and Los Angeles, underlining his rising status in contemporary art.
Opening: Friday, 15. November 2024
Exhibition dates: Saturday, 16. November 2024 – Saturday, 25. January 2025
To the gallery
Title image caption: Kiriakos Tompolidis, Self-portrait with Curtain, 2024, oil, acrylic and photo transfer on linen, 150 × 170 cm
Exhibition Kiriakos Tompolidis – Galerie Judin | Zeitgenössische Kunst in Berlin | Contemporary Art | Ausstellungen Berlin Galerien | ART at Berlin
