The Queer Archive presents ZOE by MAIK GRÄF.

“Zoe” is an ancient Greek term and means life – the simple fact of life that is common to all living beings. According to Plato, “Zoe” is also tied to Fate which can be lived well or badly. However, it is not always in our hands whether our life is peaceful or whether it is suppressed and persecuted because certain aspects are not considered compliant by religious or political authorities.

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Queer interpretations of ancient Greek mythology and society are the focus of the photographic project ZOE by German artist Maik Gräf. A series of photographs taken during the artist’s art residency in Athens in 2021 will be presented at Romantso Gallery.

The exhibition is curated by Konstantinos Menelaou and Maik Gräf and produced by the art platform and gallery The Queer Archive.

The opening is on Thursday 20th April, from 7pm to 11pm, with a DJ set by Clubkid from 8pm to 11pm. The exhibition will be on display from April 21st to 26th, from 5pm to 9pm, and the closing is on Thursday 27th April from 5pm to 11pm. The closing ceremony will also feature a conversation with Maik Gräf from 7pm to 8pm and a DJ set from 8pm to 11pm.

The philosophy behind Calisthenics is the art of using one’s body weight and qualities of inertia as a means to develop one’s physique, anywhere, without many expenses or means. The word Calisthenics comes from the Greek words kallos (beauty) and sthenos (strength).

We can say that it is essentially the physical education of the ancient Greeks, through which they prepared their body and spirit before going to battle or athletic games. It combines strength, balance and technique, and everyone can try it, regardless of age, gender and physical condition.

'Calisthenics' has become quite popular between fitness circles around the world in the last few years and today it's a 'movement' in the world of sports that gets bigger and bigger every day with millions of follower worldwide.

REY's contributor photographer Andreas Constantinou captured the National Greek Calisthenics team in action and we are thrilled to present you the majestic result!

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ZOE exhibition by MAIK GRÄF

Calisthenics: From Ancient Greece to today's International Sport