Description
Artist/Maker: Vasileios Roumeliotis (b. 1977) / Roumelight
Object/Materials and Techniques: Neon Light / Acrylic Glass / Metal
Date: Created in 2023
Dimensions: Dimensions: H. 100 cm x D. 56 cm x W. 10 cm
Colours: Neon Fuchsia
Art style: Light art / Luminism / Lighting sculpture / Industrial design / Pop Art
Current Location: Artist’s collection, Athens
Curator’s note: ‘A Neon Nostalgia’
Vasileios Roumeliotis’ ‘Chewed Up (the very best of)’ from the Roumelight collection is a striking contemporary artwork that reimagines the iconic audio cassette in a vibrant neon fuchsia hue. This piece transcends the conventional boundaries of functional illumination and seamlessly blends elements of Pop Art and sculpture, creating a visually arresting and intellectually stimulating work.
The artwork takes the form of an oversized audio cassette, a recognizable relic of the past. The cassette is the central focus of the artwork, without a distinct rectangular frame. This allows the viewer to concentrate solely on the object itself.
The acrylic glass shell, illuminated by neon light, casts a soft, ethereal glow. Its smooth, glossy surface and translucent quality enhance the visual impact of the piece, allowing light to pass through and interact with the neon illumination. The neon light creates a dynamic contrast with the darker background, drawing attention to the cassette’s form and highlighting details such as the tape reels and the label. This interplay of light and shadow is a key element of the work creating an arresting visual effect.
Additionally, the metal components add an industrial edge, contrasting with the nostalgic subject matter.
As for the dominant neon fuchsia hue, it is both eye-catching and evocative. The colour choice references the vibrant palette often associated with Pop Art. The bold colour, simple forms, and focus on an everyday object are reminiscent of the famous Pop Art movement. The cassette tape is a symbol of a bygone era, evoking memories of music, youth culture, and technological advancement. By elevating this ordinary object to a work of art, Vasileios Roumeliotis challenges traditional notions of high and low culture. Through the use of neon light, he adds a contemporary twist, suggesting that while the cassette may be obsolete, its cultural significance endures.
The physical condition of the cassette, with its chewed-up tape, further enhances the artwork’s narrative. This visible damage can be interpreted as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitable decay of physical objects. It might also symbolize the fragility of memories and the impermanence of cultural artefacts. The contrast between the pristine neon light and the worn-out tape creates a striking visual juxtaposition, highlighting the tension between the past and the present.
Vasileios Roumeliotis is known for his innovative use of neon light in his sculptures. His work often explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the relationship between technology and culture. ‘Chewed Up (the very best of)’ aligns with contemporary art trends that embrace popular culture, technology, and the use of unconventional materials.
Overall, this remarkable luminaire is both visually captivating and thought-provoking, celebrating the past while looking to the future. It invites viewers to reflect on the passage of time and the enduring nature of human creativity. Vasileios Roumeliotis’s masterful use of neon light, acrylic glass, and metal, combined with his playful exploration of nostalgia, make this piece a standout example of contemporary sculpture. It is a testament to the power of art to evoke emotion and spark conversation.
‘Chewed Up (the very best of)‘ made a striking impression at the innovative Hotel Experience exhibition, held at the prestigious Athens Conservatoire.
Annotations:
- The selected illumination hue is neon fuchsia, although other lighting options are available.
- It can be either floor-standing or wall-mounted with a support base.
- It is advisable to seek technical assistance for the installation or suspension of the lighting piece.
- Guidance from the artist may be available.
