The Art of Being PASHIAS: A Journey Through Performance and Instinct
In the bustling heart of Nicosia, amid the clinking of coffee cups at Prozak café, sits a man whose body is his canvas, his performances a blend of the playful and the profound. He is known as PASHIAS, a persona that transcends his surname and embodies his artistry. With a carefully cultivated appearance that stands out in an era where casualness is the norm, PASHIAS exudes the essence of a brand.
Fluent in English, yet with a tendency towards elaborate expression, PASHIAS reflects on his academic journey through the prestigious corridors of Goldsmiths and Central Saint Martins in London. His art, deeply rooted in the use of his own physique as the primary material for creation, has led to performances that challenge societal norms and provoke thought.
One such performance, ‘Ω3’, took place not within the white walls of a gallery but in the open expanse of Eleftheria Square. As a merman, PASHIAS explored themes of diversity and social acceptance, his body contorting and interacting with the urban environment in ways that invited a spectrum of interpretations from passersby.
The question of meaning in art is one PASHIAS faces with a knowing smile. For him, art is not about delivering answers but rather about posing questions and offering alternative perspectives on reality. His work, ephemeral by nature, is designed to stir emotions and provoke dialogue, whether it elicits laughter from a child or contemplation from an adult.
Behind the scenes, PASHIAS is just as intriguing. At 35 years old, he balances his sociable nature with a touch of agoraphobia and a love for culinary experiences. His creative instincts have been nurtured from childhood, supported by an artistic family that recognized and fostered his potential.
His performances are acts of curated experiences, where context and timing are crucial. From ‘Temple-boy’, which disrupted the typical art opening with an unexpected interaction with the audience, to ‘KUZA’, where he transformed himself using a broken amphora at the Fitzwilliam Museum, PASHIAS’ art is unapologetically bold.
Despite the challenges of bureaucracy that accompany the life of an artist, PASHIAS remains dedicated to his craft. His work is a testament to the power of human energy and the spirit of the present moment. In a society often bound by convention, PASHIAS stands out as an artist who trusts his instincts, embraces creative chaos, and continuously redefines the boundaries of performance art.
