EXTROPIC OPTIMISMS: PORTAL IV | ANGELO PLESSAS
Angelo Plessas (Athens, 1974) defines himself as a techno-shaman, a person capable of recognizing the affinities between futuristic technology and primordial spirituality, seeking connections not only between individuals but among every single entity in this cosmos.
Through experimentation with digital media, the artist delves into concepts related to spirituality, ancient stories, folk symbolism, and mystical rituals. His goal is to break away from ordinary ways of thinking, which are shaped by rigid and seemingly immovable preconceptions, instead proposing a fluid vision of the relationship between the online and offline worlds.
Plessas’ practice is multidisciplinary, always striving—in every form it takes, whether a performance, an installation, or an educational or residency project—to establish contact with other living beings.
Extropic Optimisms: Portal IV (2025) aims to do precisely this. As a site-specific installation consisting of eight neon signs, the artwork focuses on symbolism. These bright and colorful neon lights—especially at night when they acquire a mystical, almost magical aura—can also be read as icons, a perfect synthesis of the most widespread language in today’s technological society and the symbolism linked to shamanic rituals.
The hand as a gesture of welcome, the dove and the peace symbol as signs of renewal and reconciliation, the eye with the yin and yang inside it as protection for the life flowing beneath it, and so on. Through messages of peace, knowledge, and equality, Extropic Optimisms: Portal IV radiates positive energy to anyone nearby.
Technology and spirituality may appear to be diametrically opposed worlds, yet they share the ability—albeit through different paths and languages—to lead us to knowledge, whether theoretical understanding or deeper self-awareness.
The installation Extropic Optimisms: Portal IV is exhibited as part of ART CITY Bologna 2025 at Porta Mascarella from February 6 to 16, 2025.
Angelo Plessas
Extropic Optimisms: Portal IV, 2025
Eight neon signs, various sizes
Installation view at Porta Mascarella, Bologna, 2025
Photo: Valentina Cafarotti. Courtesy ART CITY Bologna 2025.
Angelo Plessas, Extropic Optimisms: Portal IV, 2025.
Installation view at Porta Mascarella, Bologna, 2025. Photo: Valentina Cafarotti. Courtesy ART CITY Bologna.
12/02/25