Christos Ghionis’s inspiration originates from stories and may present itself in countless diverse ways, such as a song, a documented fact or trivia, a verse, saying or proverb or visual event. Drawing and composition stem from different origins and combine to support a narrative reminiscent of a snapshot of a comic panel. The juxtaposition of vivid complimentary colors highlights the surreal atmosphere that characterizes Christo’s works. Should the works succeed in serving as a starting point for the viewer to discover his own story, then the mission of the artist is deemed accomplished.

This work makes reference to the death of Georgios Karaiskakis, an important figure in the history of the Greek Independence revolution of the early 19th century. His death has been alluded to treasonous internal struggles in the Greek allied camp culminating with his fatal wounding during a skirmish on the eve of the battle of Athens. Mainstream history has been known to look the other way once it comes to non-conventional traits of characters or events that do not support the official narrative and ideology. This work, as an homage to the surreal figure of Uncle-George* and the circumstances of his demise, aspires to remind us of all the things we choose not to look at because they are not befitting the conventionally adopted narrative. The Belgian surrealists fittingly frame the stage for Karaiskaki’s final act.

*In the Shadow Show stories of Karagiozis from the Greek -Turkish popular culture, Uncle-George, a direct reference to Karaiskakis, is a shadow puppet and the symbol of defiance against oppression.