In an exhibition at Anassa, photographer Michael Kouloumos presents black and white images of his native Pafos with others taken in the city of Jerusalem. ‘From Pafos to Jerusalem: Stone, Cloth, Flesh, and Water’ draws the viewer’s attention to the contrasts between the two cities. In Jerusalem, stone is a constant backdrop for the images, with structures such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the souks of the Muslim quarter figuring prominently in a city that is sacred to three major religions. Cloth, too, makes a persistent presence, as portraits of people in Jerusalem show how clothing expresses religious identity. In the coastal resort of Pafos, by contrast, water is an enticement, as locals and vacationers alike are drawn to the balmy waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The photos portray bathers entering the sea, resting on the shore, and rinsing themselves off in communal showers. Flesh is more exposed here, suggesting a different way of figuring cultural identity. Kouloumos aims to develop our visual literacy through the juxtaposition of the images and seeks to project a dignified image of each person depicted in the photographs. His goal is to cultivate tolerance and respect, transcending the taboos and boundaries that are set before us. The exhibition runs from 8 May to 1 June 2019.
