The word mimicry dates back to 1637 and is derived from the Greek verb “mimeisthai”, or “to imitate”. Mimicry is related to camouflage, in which a species resembles its surroundings or is difficult to detect. Curator Dimitrios Anthonitsis commented on the exhibition’s theme: “In ancient Greece, mimesis was an idea that governed the creation of works of art, in particular, with correspondence to the physical world understood as a model for beauty, truth and the good. Plato contrasted mimesis, or imitation with “diegesis” or narrative. After Plato, the meaning of mimesis eventually shifted toward a specifically literary function in ancient Greek society, and its use has changed and been reinterpreted many times since then.
Mitala creates hand-painted furniture depicting the outdoor architecture of Berlin. Guests can discuss her influences, artistic philosophy, silkscreen application and furniture making techniques. Mitala demonstrates silkscreen techniques and guests may bring own T-shirts to be embellished with silk prints from the artist’s own designs.
