Radicalization Pipeline
In Milan, from June 3 to September 25 2021, NOVO is pleased to present “Radicalization Pipeline”, a solo show of ceramics and software works by Theo Triantafyllidis. The exhibition opens the new location of Eduardo Secci’s project space in Milan.
For this new body of works, Theo Triantafyllidis draws inspiration from video games and recent events of civil disorder in America. Looking at phenomena such as the rise of QAnon, the artist suggests connections between gamification, fantasy, and political radicalization.
The gallery space brings together a series of ceramic weapons. These dark glazed stoneware works are adorned with decorative details like tennis overgrip tapes, hair extensions and laser-cut acrylics. With titles such as Chadslayer, Snowflake Skorcher and, Stormbringer, they are reminiscent of the exaggerated forms often seen in video games and extremist ideologies which the internet culture has accelerated.
The ceramic surfaces reflect the light from a large display playing Radicalization Pipeline, a Live Simulation piece that runs on a gaming PC. Two seemingly endless hordes clash into a violent free-for-all, swinging large melee weapons and shouting with distorted voices. A wide range of characters – from citizen militias to fantastical creatures – enter the screen only to kill each other, wave after wave, sinking their virtual bodies slowly into a muddy landscape. The mood occasionally lightens up by the medieval covers of familiar pop songs that complete the soundscape conceived by the composer and sound designer Diego Navarro.
In Milan, from June 3 to September 25 2021, NOVO is pleased to present “Radicalization Pipeline”, a solo show of ceramics and software works by Theo Triantafyllidis. The exhibition opens the new location of Eduardo Secci’s project space in Milan.
For this new body of works, Theo Triantafyllidis draws inspiration from video games and recent events of civil disorder in America. Looking at phenomena such as the rise of QAnon, the artist suggests connections between gamification, fantasy, and political radicalization.
The gallery space brings together a series of ceramic weapons. These dark glazed stoneware works are adorned with decorative details like tennis overgrip tapes, hair extensions and laser-cut acrylics. With titles such as Chadslayer, Snowflake Skorcher and, Stormbringer, they are reminiscent of the exaggerated forms often seen in video games and extremist ideologies which the internet culture has accelerated.
The ceramic surfaces reflect the light from a large display playing Radicalization Pipeline, a Live Simulation piece that runs on a gaming PC. Two seemingly endless hordes clash into a violent free-for-all, swinging large melee weapons and shouting with distorted voices. A wide range of characters – from citizen militias to fantastical creatures – enter the screen only to kill each other, wave after wave, sinking their virtual bodies slowly into a muddy landscape. The mood occasionally lightens up by the medieval covers of familiar pop songs that complete the soundscape conceived by the composer and sound designer Diego Navarro.
Theo Triantafyllidis, Hippie Breaker, 2021Glazed Stoneware, Overgrip Tape, Untreated Wood
50 x 22 x 22 cm
19 3/4 x 8 5/8 x 8 5/8 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Father Stomper, 2021Glazed Stoneware, Overgrip Tape, Untreated Wood
78 x 26 x 26 cm
30 3/4 x 10 1/4 x 10 1/4 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Alpha Skiver, 2021Glazed Stoneware
35 x 10 cm
13 3/4 x 4 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Anprim Talon, 2021Glazed Stoneware
32 x 6 cm
12 5/8 x 2 3/8 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Chadslayer, 2021Glazed Stoneware, Leather, Faux Fur
80 x 18 cm
31 1/2 x 7 1/8 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Commie Choppa, 2021Stoneware, Handlebar Tape
52 x 24 cm
20 1/2 x 9 1/2 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Kristal Klaw, 2021Glazed Stoneware
12 x 11 x 5 cm
4 3/4 x 4 3/8 x 2 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Normie Slicer, 2021Stoneware, Sticker, Rachet Strap
58 x 12 cm
22 7/8 x 4 3/4 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Radicalization Pipeline, 2021Live Simulation
Edition of 3 plus 2 artist's proofs
Theo Triantafyllidis, Snowflake Skorcher, 2021Glazed Stoneware, Leather, Feathers, Resin
106 x 36 cm
41 3/4 x 14 1/8 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Soyboy Shredder, 2021Stoneware
52 x 8 cm
20 1/2 x 3 1/8 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Stormbringer, 2021Glazed Stoneware, Overgrip Tape, Hair Extentions, Dice
157 x 54 cm
61 3/4 x 21 1/4 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Witchblade, 2021Glazed Stoneware
31 x 5 cm
12 1/4 x 2 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Wacko Hacka, 2021Stoneware, Overgrip Tape
48 x 16 cm
18 7/8 x 6 1/4 in
Theo Triantafyllidis, Wrong Side of Freedom, 2021Glazed Stoneware, Handlebar Tape, Laser Cut Acrylic, Stainless Steel
164 x 42 cm
64 5/8 x 16 1/2 in
Theo Triantafyllidis (b. 1988, Athens, GR) is an artist who builds virtual spaces and the interfaces for the human body to inhabit them. He creates expansive worlds and complex systems where the virtual and the physical merge in uncanny, absurd and poetic ways. These are often manifested as performances, virtual and augmented reality experiences, games and interactive installations. He uses awkward interactions and precarious physics, to invite the audience to embody, engage with and challenge these other realities. Through the lens of monster theory, he investigates themes of isolation, sexuality and violence in their visceral extremities. He offers computational humor and AI improvisation as a response to the tech industry’s agenda. He tries to give back to the online and gaming communities that he considers both the inspiration and context for his work by remaining an active participant and contributor. He holds an MFA from UCLA, Design Media Arts and a Diploma of Architecture from the National Technical University of Athens. He has shown work in museums, including the Hammer Museum in LA and NRW Forum in Dusseldorf, DE and various galleries such as Meredith Rosen Gallery, the Breeder, Sargent’s Daughters and Young Projects. He was part of Hyper Pavilion in the 2017 Venice Biennale and the 2018 Athens Biennale: ANTI-. Theo Triantafyllidis is based in Los Angeles.
Theo Triantafyllidis (b. 1988, Athens, GR) is an artist who builds virtual spaces and the interfaces for the human body to inhabit them. He creates expansive worlds and complex systems where the virtual and the physical merge in uncanny, absurd and poetic ways. These are often manifested as performances, virtual and augmented reality experiences, games and interactive installations. He uses awkward interactions and precarious physics, to invite the audience to embody, engage with and challenge these other realities. Through the lens of monster theory, he investigates themes of isolation, sexuality and violence in their visceral extremities. He offers computational humor and AI improvisation as a response to the tech industry’s agenda. He tries to give back to the online and gaming communities that he considers both the inspiration and context for his work by remaining an active participant and contributor. He holds an MFA from UCLA, Design Media Arts and a Diploma of Architecture from the National Technical University of Athens. He has shown work in museums, including the Hammer Museum in LA and NRW Forum in Dusseldorf, DE and various galleries such as Meredith Rosen Gallery, the Breeder, Sargent’s Daughters and Young Projects. He was part of Hyper Pavilion in the 2017 Venice Biennale and the 2018 Athens Biennale: ANTI-. Theo Triantafyllidis is based in Los Angeles.
- Giulio Turcato
- Chico da Silva,
- Jordy Kerwick
- Daria Dmytrenko
