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The TWOFOURTWO Art Group
The TWOFOURTWO Art Group also appearing in numerals 242, was formed on 21 August 1996 in Nicosia, Cyprus by Costas Mantzalos and Constantinos Kounnis. The TWO|FOUR|TWO art group embarked on a voyage of collaboration under the umbrella of the group. Deriving from different backgrounds; a visual artist and an architect - both parts explore their common experience to produce a visual base on which they can communicate, between themselves and with the viewers. The work itself does not pretend to be a traditionally accepted art form but it rather seeks a place in its own right. It was the creative displacement of both parts, which has leaded them to work as a group.

Costas Mantzalos was born in Famagusta, Cyprus and was trained as a visual artist with postgraduate studies in information design in the UK during the years 1983-1988. Constantinos Kounnis was born in Nicosia, Cyprus and was trained as an architect in Italy between the years 1973 – 2000.

The Work
There is an extensive use of the light box in 242s’ first part of this exhibition, which at times makes references to advertising billboards found in bus stops, train stations or even shop decorations. For, 242 showing intimate, enlarged photographs of singled out body parts in this highly promotional manner is not accidental. The mythology of the body is becoming the language through which the artists intent to address private, often taboo issues of their intimate life. Masked under the use of banal, frequently photographed parts of the body which are symbolically charged, i.e. eyes, ears, skin, the work investigates the realization of one’s body as a vehicle of emotional discourse entering the public domain. A domain, which is not only aesthetically demanding, but it also seeks to impose certain acceptable social behaviors. Whereas the light boxes appear ordinary and straightforward, a grid of aluminum bars, part of industrial light fixings, is applied on top of them causing an endless mirror effect. These standard fixings are usually used in offices to defuse the light. Entirely disengaged from their original context, these interior elements are modified in size, becoming an integral part of the works. Fragments of the images are perpetually reflected, enriching the visual depth and forming a firm grid. This visual game places the viewer both in and out of the work, which wants but hesitates to make the transition from private to public. The imagery involved in the work carries a degree of affect evoked both by its honesty and suggestive alterations, as well as it refers to familiar pre-constructed public identities. Despite most advertising photography which is primarily in color, the highly contrasted black and white close ups achieve a sense of truthfulness and a quality of documentation. And although this photographic manipulation seems familiar, it becomes somewhat bizarre, through partial bodily displacements and visual abstractions. Furthermore, there is a subtle ambiguity on whether the body is beautified or X-rayed under the fluorescent lights. Are these harsh, clinical light boxes or luxurious advertising displays? Displays of private sensations that overwhelm the viewer by their size and boldness and demand his/her attention. The body becomes the battleground where its private narratives and politics that govern it become inscribed onto its surface. Issues of vanity, seduction and pain, filtered through constant social and personal criticism, reveal a most human aspect. It is rather peculiar, and perhaps the strongest element of 242s’ work, that while they use industrial materials, highly perfected finishes and there is a clear absence of hand treatment, the work becomes deeply introspective, as well as intensely expressive, arousing emotional tension. Not in terms of aesthetic result but in terms of emotional impact.

Their first solo exhibition was entitled Shared Experiences and was presented at Gallery Lobby in Nicosia, Cyprus in 1999. Since then the TWO|FOUR|TWO art group has exhibited in Athens, Amsterdam, Dortmund, Erlangen , Melbourne, Nicosia , and participated in various exhibitions and events in Athens, Berlin, Frankfurt, Naples , New Delhi, Paris and Thessaloniki.

Selected Exhibitions
Selected Solo Exhibitions

2011: “Espace Blanc”Gallery Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus

2009: “THREESOMES” UN Negotiations Room, Nicosia, Cyprus

2009: “THREESOMES”, Argo Gallery, Nicosia, Cyprus

2008: “Back Home”, Salt and Pepper, Nicosia, Cyprus

2008: “Not Far From Home”, Lobby of Hilton Athens, Athens, Greece

2006: “Das…..Party”, Gallery Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus

2005: “Publish Me!”, Städtische Galerie Erlangen, Germany

2004: “Reaction Too”, Span Gallery, Melbourne, Australia

Selected Group Exhibitions

2010: “Chypre; L’art au present” Espace Commines, Paris

2010: “1974: Milestone in Politics and Arts, Famagusta Gate, Nicosia

2010: “ΠΝΟΕΣ”, ;Alsos Neas Smyrnis, Athens

2010: “Breaking Walls – Building Networks”, Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art, Thessaloniki

2009: “Walls”, Leonardo Da Vinci Room, Patra

2008: “Looking forward to hearing from you”, Kodra Field, Thessaloniki September 2008

2008: “Paris/Chypre 0 EURO”, Erotokritos Boutique, Paris July 2008

2008: “anti+thesis”, Trigono Gallery, Athens, Greece

2007: “Atlandis Lost”, Indira Ghandi Cultural Centre, New Delhi, November 2007

2007: “Artathina”, Hellexpo, Athens, Greece

2006: “dormART”, depot ev, Dortmund, Germany

2006: “3 Steps to Amaze”, Gallery Argo, Nicosia, Cyprus

2005: “GOING BEYOND THE COUNTRIES’ ART” small States on un-certain stereotypes VIDEO SENSITIVE POSTCARDS, Ancient Monastery of Saint Claire, Republic of San Marino,

2005: “Capturing Utopia” Fournos Centre for Digital Culture, Athens, Greece

2005: “100 Artists, 1 Museum”, Casoria Museum of Contemporary Art, Naples, Italy

2005: “Accidental Meetings”, Nicosia Municipal Art Centre, Nicosia, Cyprus

2005: “Unclaimed Luggage”, Circulo de Bellas Artes, Madrid, Spain

2004: “GRIDS” video installation, 8th Famagusta International Festival, Famagusta, Cyprus

2004: “Xperimental” 3.0, Pantheon Gallery, Nicosia. Cyprus

2004: “Nomadifesta”, Kastelliotissa, Nicosia, Cyprus

Selected Bibliography
• TWOFOURTWO, Quinze Ans, A monogram, Texts by Yiannis Toumazis and Artemis Eleftheriadiou, Nicosia 2011, ISBN 978-9963-9124-2-1

• Chypre, L’art au present Andri Michael and Yiannis Toumazis, Exhibition Catalogue, Paris 2010, ISBN 978-9963-8922-4-2

• TWOFOURTWO, 10 JAHRE TWOFOURTWO A monogram, Nicosia 2006, ISBN 9963-9124-1-9