Acclaimed filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos has unveiled his latest artistic endeavor, a photobook titled VISCIN, alongside a significant exhibition at Onassis Stegi in Athens. The book, published by MACK Books, captures a series of striking images taken on the set of his upcoming feature film, Bugonia, set to release in 2025.
The photographs were captured spontaneously between takes, resulting in a collection that diverges from conventional narrative styles typically associated with film. Lanthimos employs unconventional compositions and haunting portraiture to create a distinctive story that explores themes of mystery, illusion, death, and renewal. This visual narrative is marked by a deliberate transition from stark black-and-white imagery to vivid color, reflecting the emotional journey he aims to convey.
Exhibition Details and Artistic Vision
The simultaneous exhibition, titled Yorgos Lanthimos: Photographs, showcases a comprehensive selection of 182 still images taken over the past five years. Curated by Michael Mack and commissioned by Onassis Stegi, the exhibition provides an in-depth look at Lanthimos’ expanding body of work, which includes photographs from previous publications such as Dear God, the Parthenon Is Still Broken and i shall sing these songs beautifully.
The exhibition will be open to the public from March 7, 2026, to May 17, 2026. It features both familiar images and previously unseen works from the VISCIN series, allowing attendees to immerse themselves in the evolving visual language that Lanthimos has cultivated throughout his career.
A Unique Publication Experience
The physical format of VISCIN is as innovative as its contents. Designed with an accordion or leporello fold, the book emulates the experience of unspooling a film reel. This unique design invites readers to engage with the images in a dynamic manner, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the publication. As each page unfolds, the viewer is led through a visual narrative that mirrors the thematic journey of Lanthimos’ work.
Lanthimos, known for his distinctive approach to filmmaking, continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of visual storytelling. His latest projects, including Bugonia and VISCIN, reaffirm his status as a visionary artist in contemporary cinema and photography. Through this exhibition and publication, he invites audiences to explore the complexities of human experience through his unique lens.
