The research investigates how a person can become more aware of the present condition through the simplest form of communication: dialogue and body movement. It explores how these can empower intuition, opening up different ways of perceiving, interacting and creating beyond habitual patterns of everyday communication.
The Artistic Research presented here forms part of the long-term artistic practice of Folk and Contemporary Art Pafiou, informing the organisation ’s artistic work, educational activities and international collaborations. It provides a conceptual foundation connecting artistic creation, research-based practice and community-oriented projects developed by the organization.
Since 2012, the research has developed through continuous artistic investigation combining performance, movement, written text, visual expression and theoretical study. This interdisciplinary approach reflects Anthi Pafiou’s practice as a visual artist, dancer, performer and educator.
The initial research questions emerged from observations of everyday human interaction:
- How does memory influence our experience of the present moment?
- Is it possible to remain within the present condition beyond established patterns of communication?
- Can intuition guide new ways of interacting and responding in the present moment?
- Can new forms of interaction and creation emerge through a shared experience of the present moment?
Through artistic experimentation, the research explores these questions by examining the relationship between body awareness, communication and human experience.
Theoretical Framework
The research develops through a dialogue between artistic practice and theoretical investigation. Its theoretical background is connected with philosophical, psychological and artistic approaches that explore human perception, memory, communication and the relationship between conscious and subconscious experience.
The development of the research has also involved collaboration with psychologists, scientists and other researchers, contributing knowledge and perspectives that supported the exploration of the research questions and the development of the artistic investigations.
The research considers the present moment not as a fixed state, but as an ongoing artistic inquiry into how individuals perceive, interact and create. Through this perspective, artistic practice becomes a space for questioning everyday communication and exploring alternative ways of experiencing human connection.
Artistic Research Development (2012–2024)
Over twelve years, «Remaining in the Present Moment / Present Tense» evolved through a series of experiential experiments, artistic works, academic research and presentations within contemporary performance contexts.
The research has developed through:
- artistic experiments exploring presence and interaction
- performance works and residencies
- movement and visual research
- academic studies connected to the research theme
- educational and participatory artistic activities
Each stage has contributed to the ongoing development of the research and its adaptation to different artistic and educational contexts.
A research shaped through collaboration
The interdisciplinary research Remaining in the Present Moment (2012–2024) was developed in collaboration with more than 15 performers, artists, psychologists, and scientists. The research integrates body movement, verbal expression and emotional learning into a structured and transferable methodology.
It has been developed and presented with the support of a variety of institutions, including the Athens School of Fine Arts, the University of Nicosia, Dance House Lefkosia, Nea Kinisi Dance Organisation, the Emerging Visual Artists Platform (Fytorio), Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival, and Venice International Performance Week.
Academic Research
In 2014, Anthi Pafiou’s Bachelor’s degree thesis in Contemporary Dance at the University of Nicosia focused on the artistic research Remaining in the Present Moment / Present Tense, further developing its investigation through movement practice and performance research.
In 2015, her Master’s degree thesis at the Athens School of Fine Arts continued the same artistic research trajectory, expanding the investigation through visual arts practice and theoretical exploration.
Experiential Works
From 2012 onwards, the artistic research gradually evolved through a series of public experiments, performances and participatory actions presented in festivals, cultural institutions and independent art spaces.
Each experiment investigated different aspects of presence, memory, bodily awareness and communication, intuition, contributing to the long-term development of the research. The complete documentation of each project is available through the research archive.
1rst Experiment – Present Moment & Memory
View Research →2nd series of Experiments – Memory
View Research →3rd Experiment – D. S. M. M (Documenting Subconscious Moments in Memory)
View Research →4rth Experiment – D. M. C (Documenting Moments in Consciousness)
View Research →E.5 – C. C (Communication Condition)
View Research →“Evening Act”
“Βραδινή – Πράξη (1η)” was an artistic research-based performance focusing on the present moment, everyday actions, and co-creation. The project combined performance, communal meal, speech, movement, and open discussion, exploring communication and shared experience in daily life.
View the video →“Breaking Point”
A duet combining two artistic methodologies exploring the limits of the human body in relation to society and experiential bodily communication through movement and spoken word.
View the video →From Artistic Research to Collective Practice
Since 2023, the long-term artistic research has gradually informed the design of participatory artistic workshops developed within public projects. Rather than presenting the research itself, these workshops translate years of artistic investigation into accessible collective experiences that invite participants to engage through observation, dialogue, movement and visual creation. The workshops continue to evolve as part of an ongoing artistic practice.
Love Workshop
Introduced during the second edition of the Love Mural Festival (2025), the Love Workshop represents the first public application of principles developed throughout the long-term artistic research. Designed for participants of different ages, the workshop combines artistic creation, observation and collective participation, creating spaces where personal experience becomes the starting point for shared artistic expression.
Ongoing Research
The research remains an open artistic process that continues to evolve through artistic practice, public projects, workshops and interdisciplinary collaborations. Rather than reaching a fixed conclusion, it develops through continuous experimentation, reflection and interaction with people, places and communities.