Filio Zoi Milioti - Pious Women Series

"Fossil Kiss" is a contemplation on the multifaceted nature of femininity and the complexities of women's erotic lives, often shrouded in secrecy and societal taboos. Through three boxes, each representing a different stage of transformation, I explore the evolution of intimacy and desire, from its initial purity to its eventual erosion and suppression.

The first box, a perfect square, symbolizes the idealized notion of love and affection, embodied in the image of a pristine kiss. Here, the kiss is depicted in its most perfect form, untouched by external influences or societal expectations. It represents the innocence and purity of feminine desire, untainted by the constraints of societal norms.

In the second box, the kiss takes on a more organic and fluid form, reflecting the complexities and nuances of women's erotic lives. This stage of transformation acknowledges the inherent messiness and unpredictability of desire, as it navigates the intricacies of pleasure and intimacy.

Finally, the third box presents a stark departure from the previous iterations, as the kiss is obscured by a violent action, rendering it unrecognizable and devoid of its original essence. Here, the fossilized remnants of intimacy serve as a poignant reminder of the erasure and suppression of women's sexual autonomy and agency.

Through "Fossil Kiss," I invite viewers to reflect on the forbidden erotic lives of women, exploring the intersections of desire, power, and societal expectations. By confronting the paradoxical nature of femininity and the enduring legacy of patriarchal control, this piece seeks to challenge existing narratives surrounding women's sexuality and advocate for greater acceptance and liberation.

Statement for Performative Art Piece: "Embracing the Void"

In "Embracing the Void," I delve into the intricacies of feminine pain, exploring the often silenced and overlooked experiences of women. Through a performative act of hugging plaster balloons, I symbolize the emptiness and void that exists within the realm of women's pain – a void that encompasses the complexities of abortion, menstrual cycles, and gynecological issues.

Each embrace of these empty vessels signifies an acknowledgment of the pain and suffering endured by women, both individually and collectively. The act of embracing serves as a cathartic release, allowing for the expression and validation of these often marginalized experiences.

As the balloons, representing the empty spaces of my pain, are held close, they become vessels for the stories, struggles, and resilience of women everywhere. They carry the weight of unspoken narratives, challenging societal taboos and stigmas surrounding women's bodies and their inherent pain.

Through "Embracing the Void," I invite viewers to confront and contemplate the invisible burdens borne by women, to recognize the validity of their experiences, and to foster empathy and understanding in the face of societal indifference. It is my hope that this performative piece serves as a catalyst for dialogue, reflection, and ultimately, collective healing.

"Forbidden Eros"

I delve into the intricate layers of feminine desire and the societal taboos that surround it, using the potent symbolism of red wine dripping onto a pristine white sheet. Drawing inspiration from the ritual of communion in the Christian world, where wine symbolizes the blood of Christ, I explore the juxtaposition between sacred and profane, desire and constraint.

The act of dripping red wine onto a white sheet serves as a visceral metaphor for the forbidden erotic lives of women, steeped in secrecy and shame. Like drops of blood staining the purity of the surface, the wine marks the silent struggle of women to reconcile their desires with societal expectations and religious doctrine.

The silent voice that accompanies the visual narrative represents the punitive measures imposed on women for deviating from the prescribed norms of femininity and sexuality. It is a reminder of the stifling silence that surrounds discussions of female desire, perpetuating a culture of shame and repression.

Through "Forbidden Eros," I seek to challenge the constraints placed on women's sexuality and advocate for greater acceptance and liberation. By confronting the dichotomy between sacred and profane, this piece invites viewers to question the societal taboos that silence and shame women, and to embrace the beauty and complexity of female desire without apology. It is a call to reclaim agency over our bodies and desires, and to celebrate the inherent power and autonomy of feminine eros.