Gøneja. Rituals

About

Rituals is the first, self-curated solo show of Berlin-based photographer Gøneja, opening at tête. It presents an entirely new portfolio of portraits, nudes and landscapes, exploring a few subjects closely acquainted with the artist and some sites that have resonated with his spiritual life.

The portraits are built around specific themes relevant to the lives of the subjects photographed, such as: reptile nature, Sufism, opioid intoxication or Norse mythology, to mention a few. Keeping a focus on the character, such elements appear differently - as narrative, hidden symbols, or performance.

The title refers to the approach employed while creating these photographs - where hermetically sealed spaces allowed the artist and his subjects to create unique rites for the camera. It alludes also to the deeply subjective and spiritually-charged nature of the themes around which the subjects are portrayed - those invisible forces that guide and act upon their lives.

The opening of the show coincides with the launch of the 108-page,
equally-titled photo-book. This comprehensive version of the portfolio features additional images and subjects, text-extracts from the individuals photographed expanding on some of the ideas behind their portraits, as well as a philosophical essay on Chaos energy from an invited writer.

The show will also include some of the artist’s recent experiments with totemic sculpture.