Artistic Research (2012–Present)
Remaining in the Present Moment
The Artistic Research presented here forms part of the long-term practice of Folk and Contemporary Art Pafiou, exploring the relationship between body, memory, presence and collective experience through performative and participatory methodologies. It constitutes the conceptual and methodological foundation that informs the organization’s artistic work, educational activities and international collaborations.
The research started in 2012 and explores how human communication is shaped by memory, body response and present-time awareness.
The research is developed through a series of experiential artistic practices and structured embodied investigations.
Theoretical Framework
The research is based on interdisciplinary study combining psychology, philosophy and artistic practice. Memory is understood as both conscious and subconscious storage of experience, shaping perception and behaviour.
The work is influenced by theories of memory, embodiment and perception, as well as artistic movements such as Dada, Surrealism and Situationist International. It also explores how structured physical interaction can reveal subconscious patterns in real time.
Research Questions
- Why is it difficult to remain in the present moment?
- How does memory shape human interaction?
- Can subconscious reactions be observed through the body?
- What happens when control is reduced in communication?
Research Approach
The research is developed through structured experiential practice involving movement, verbal interaction and performative situations.
It is based on iterative processes that explore presence, memory and subconscious response in real time. Certain internal structuring elements of the practice remain intentionally undisclosed in order to preserve the openness of the experience and the integrity of the artistic process.
Experiential Works (2014–2018)
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, 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
2013 • University of Nicosia
View Research → Here
2nd series of Experiments – Memory
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3rd Experiment – D. S. M. M (Documenting Subconscious Moments in Memory)
2014 • Thesis project, BA in Contemporary Dance, University of Nicosia, Cyprus • Performance Shop (PELMA)
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4rth Experiment – D. M. C (Documenting Moments in Consciousness)
2015 • Thesis project, Athens School of Fine Arts, Greece • Presented at Pediaios Festival, Dance House Nicosia
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E.5 – C. C (Communication Condition)
2017 • Ecstatic Textures, Visual Artists Association.
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"Evening Act"
2017 • NEA KINHSH, Visibility Programme
“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 → Here
"Breaking Point"
2018 • Concept & performers: Anthi Pafiou, Nana Georgiou • Buffer Fringe Festival – Performing Arts, Cyprus
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 → Here
Presentation of the Artistic Research "Present Moment"
2018 • Video - The process of a dialogue
View the video → Here
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 Workshops
Introduced during the second edition of the Love Mural Festival (2025), the Love Workshops represent the first public application of principles developed throughout the long-term artistic research. Designed for participants of different ages, the workshops combine 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.