Britta Rettberg is thrilled to present a solo exhibition of Nikolas Ventourakis in collaboration with Callirrhoë, Athens on the occasion of Various Others 2024.
“Unlikely Outcomes” is an ongoing series that intricately blends photographs and videos, showcasing Ventourakis’ ability to transcend traditional photography. His practice is inherently archival, capturing the fluid transformation of an image from its initial creation to its eventual perception.
This process invites viewers to reflect on how the memory of a photograph morphs over time. Through the exhibition, Ventourakis crafts an introspective universe that unfolds via an emotional and visual methodology. His presentation acts as a performative assemblage, weaving images that evoke a tension between presence and absence, personal relationships, and allegorical narratives. Each photograph interacts with accompanying videos and other images. This interplay can be harmonious or discordant, reflecting the complexity of human experience and encouraging deeper reflection on the shifting nature of memory and perception.
The artist’s work is a sensory journey through the kitchens and meals of a life lived between London and Athens. Through a series of four intimate images—pots resting on a marble counter, ingredients scattered in the sink, dishes being cleaned, prepared, and shared—he captures the essence of each kitchen he inhabited over the years. These photographs, taken in different homes, chronicle his personal history through the food he cooked, the meals he enjoyed, and the spaces where he found nourishment. They are more than just his memories; they are an invitation into our own—our kitchens, our food, our rituals.
In contrast, two videos of his grandfather quietly preparing and eating in his kitchen introduce another layer of intimacy, transforming a private moment into a universal experience. A ten-year gap separates the recording of the two videos. The slow, deliberate movements, the soft clink of cutlery, evoke a familiar, almost meditative act, drawing the viewer into a shared ritual. These moments remind us that time moves through us all. As his grandfather continues to prepare his meal or eat, we feel the weight of a life lived, the continuity of small, everyday acts that define us. We are left to reflect on our own journey through time—shared meals, fading memories, and the unknowable future that still lies ahead.
