“Confabulate” from the Conversations series by Christos J. Palios.
The idea took root a decade ago in a central Grecian village, when photographer Christos J. Palios used his phone to snap an image of the thoughtful table spread prepared by his uncle. That quick capture of an enjoyable moment and the introspection it sparked led to Conversations, a collection of still life-inspired images that forever preserve a series of real-life, shared meals with family and friends in the States and overseas.
“The act of gathering is unquestionably ingrained in humanity,” Palios reflects, pointing to the long-standing Japanese tea ceremony, which has historically promoted connection and peaceful alliances between host and guest. “In the same spirit,” he notes, “shared meals provide physical and mental nourishment as they reveal traditions and offer opportunity for discourse. Barriers melt away, allowing for deeper reflection and meaningful relationships.”
In each composition, we see food and drink, car keys and cell phones – the very basics of our modern lives existing in harmony. The elements remind us that such intimate and personal gatherings and “conversations” are not strictly things of the past; they can happen still today, even amid all our technology and quick text chats. Equally significant is the visual absence of the humans at the table, an artistic decision that invites the viewer to imagine the dinner guests and the dialogue that enlivened the tablescapes.
“THE IDEA OF CAPTURING GENUINE MEALS WITH OUR NEW AND UBIQUITOUS DIGITAL ENHANCEMENTS FELT APPROPRIATE AND RELEVANT. IT INSPIRED ME TO CONCEPTUALIZE IMAGES BEYOND BEAUTIFUL FOODSCAPES, REFLECTING THE SHIFTING ZEITGEIST.” —CHRISTOS J. PALIOS
“Audience participation was indeed part of my intent,” the photographer shares. “We each relate to these tables in our own ways, as both host and participant. For me, these scenes are temporal ecosystems into which deeper interaction and imagination can take flight. I hope viewers garner universal value from personal perspectives of memory, travel and living.”
Photography by Christos J. Palios.
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