The original visual material from which Geagea’s works originate are the artist’s own rhythmic gymnastics competition videos recorded in the 1990s. Geagea communicates themes of overachievement, unhealthy power dynamics between a child and an adult, the harm of a lack of autonomy, and taking ownership of one’s own space. The visual material has been post-processed with techniques such as spray paint, symbolising the pressures that come from external sources such as coaches, clubs, associations, states, or parents.
The works are self-portraits, but Geagea does not think of herself; instead, she envisions the gymnast as a universal figure and archetype within a competitive society. Geagea also aims to challenge the glamour of elite sports and dispel the stardust surrounding it. The gymnast in the artworks is portrayed as an overachiever, appears hazy yet creates beauty as an active participant in their performance.
Installation shot by Milla Talassalo.
Installation shot by Milla Talassalo.
Installation shot by Milla Talassalo.
Installation shot by Milla Talassalo.
B (from Primary Colours), 2023
Digital C-print, 200 cm x 150 cm
R (from Primary Colours), 2023
Digital C-print, 200 cm x 150 cm
Y (from Primary Colours), 2023
Digital C-print, 200 cm x 150 cm
Competition 2, 2023
VHS transferred to digital, 4:3, 2 min
Competition Y, R & B, 2023
17 cm x 169 cm, digital c-print mounted on aluminium with spray paint
Video still
Competition (2021) is a video re-edited and sampled from old VHS tapes from the 90s, of the artist as a young highly competitive rhythmic gymnast. The work highlights the beauty in the movements, but also the destructive regime to reach this level of perfection. In this work, the artist recalls the army-like methods of the sport.
Competition, 2021, 4,15 min, 16:9, stereo (EXCERPT)