AccessArts

by N. McMorran

Following its sell out launch at 'NOISE: Art Symposium Noise Crossings', during November, PixelThis’ (non-profit, self funded) Zine continues to break down creative barriers with its 2nd issue: 'Remote Controlled Gaze'.
PixelThis’ primary intention is, in their own words, “to help the art movement get off its fat, stubborn lazy ass… that’s not just the art movement that’s around at the time, it’s a whole culture of people who ignore their creative impulses…The zine intends to push a little and help release the creative urge in anyone and everyone.” (PixelThis)

Pixel_This Zine, probably the first of its kind ever created in Cyprus, essentially provides a creative outlet for expression and enables artists to comment and focus, through a given theme, on the concerns and issues of the moment. The non-commercial, square formatted black & white, zine invites creative individuals to share their ideas and opinions through witty and inspiring visual imagery and words.
Cyprus could do with more intelligent initiatives like this, particularly by Cypriot professionals, in order that knowledge and ideas can be disseminated more freely thus opening people’s minds and encouraging better awareness and understanding of creativity and its value in the increasingly materialistic society in which we exist.

Our recent interview with Pixel offers further insight into the ideas behind the Zine, and takes a brief look at the current shape of Cyprus’ arts scene:

What was the initial inspiration behind the idea for PIXELTHIS?
PIXELTHIS was mainly influenced by the punk rock (Do It Yourself) fanzine subculture back in the 70s and 80s, but was mainly a reaction to the fact that there isn’t a magazine out there that represents Nicosia’s creative voice.

Who forms part of the PIXELTHIS group?
The bunch of creative, active, innovative people who contribute to each issue form the group.

Who is your target audience and how and where do you distribute information about PIXELTHIS zine?
For the most part we’re targeting creative people. Moufflon Bookshop and Rainbow have been very supportive and have sold a number of copies of our first issue. Then again, word of mouth is more than enough to get the word out about the zine. We’ve also got a website that works parallel to the zine.

Has PIXELTHIS had positive response & support from people in Cyprus?
If yes, who has shown particular interest in PIXELTHIS?
We believe that Leondios Gerasimou from the Weaving Mill Film Workshop summed it up quite well when he said,
“You guys created a gem”

What do you believe is the main reason for the temporary existence of many arts projects in Cyprus? How long does PIXELTHIS intend to stick around?
Lack of intellectual support, lack of state support and funding, lack of criticism and the lack of communication/dialogue amongst artists is crumbling the arts here. No one can say how long PIXELTHIS will survive. The art movement seems very content in just staying in its place and not evolving, whereas we question “How can we push the art movement?”

“Cyprus lacks enthusiasm for the arts.” Do u believe this to be true or do you think people just aren’t exposed to creative events, ideas etc?
Of-course people are exposed to the arts. Pick up any newspaper, magazine and you’ll find stuff, or pick up the phone and ask a friend what’s happening and they’ll know. But it’s up to the individual to seek for it. We have noticed that the arts has been picking up lately. People have started to tap into what’s going on and want to be part of it.

Cyprus has a rich and vibrant cultural history and is renowned for its traditional art and crafts but contemporary art, design and digital development seem to have been somewhat overlooked. Do you think this has been the case and how can we open the public's eye to the artistic talent that’s out there?
We wouldn’t say that contemporary art in Cyprus has been overlooked. We’d say contemporary artists are overlooking Cyprus. Continually depending on the state in order to evolve, when the state disappointingly can not afford to support the movement the movement moves away from Cyprus and the ‘vibrant cultural history’ is put to a standstill. The artists have to begin to give to their culture independently. Otherwise it is absolutely pointless to complain.
We feel that there is a vast movement of contemporary art, as well as design and digital development, it’s just receiving little or no publicity. The last year has proved that there is an abundance of talent in and around Cyprus it’s just a question of, “how does it get out there?” We feel that Pixel This, along with the likes of The Weaving Mill and the many other small cultural organisations, is a great start for awareness; a new beginning and hopefully a better 2004!

Do you think EU accession will alter Cyprus' perception of the arts?
Sure hope so…

What are PIXELTHIS’ objectives for the near future, i.e. any plans for development or projects with other art groups / artists?
We’ve got loads of ideas… it’s just a matter of sitting down and choosing one of them to develop. We do plan to collaborate with other art groups in the future and put on a happening.

Finally what message would PIXELTHIS like to send to all those creative minds out there that are losing inspiration and feel like there's nothing interesting going on in Cyprus?
Release that creative urge and make a zine!

Pixel would like to thank NOISE, in particular Tony and Demetris, for supporting PixelThis and helping to make it a success.