The Servants of Chronos

 

2004-2006

Eugen Zelman's "The Servants of Chronos" is a series of captivating works of art that explore the intricate themes of masculinity and male eroticism, offering a unique and thought-provoking perspective on these subjects. The project is a visual exploration of the relationship between body and time, achieved through a combination of photography, collage, and painting techniques. Zelman draws inspiration from both the Classical mythological tradition and the Symbolism and Surrealism of the early twentieth century, using an ageing patina effect and printing on canvas to create a retro aesthetic that emphasizes the artist’s subtly ambiguous and multi-layered viewpoint.

The series is rich in symbolism, with the image of the clock recurring from photo to photo, often with a distorted dial plate that shows a different time in each piece. Scattered newspapers in different languages symbolize the vanity and eclectic nature of modern life, with their unreadable headlines scattered in a heap on the floor. These symbols are woven together with interesting rhythmic effects to create a contrast between the geometric shapes that appear in the frame (such as a cube covered with newsprint, a conical peaked hat, and a round clock face) and the naked heroes’ plastically bending bodies.

Zelman's work challenges traditional notions of masculinity, depicting slender young men with attractive erotic bodies who appear unselfconscious and resigned, with deep dark shadows around their eyes. They seem to emerge from a dream space, subtle and elusive like shadows at dawn. This depiction is in contrast to the traditional strong male body associated with aggression and belligerence.

The name of the series, "The Servants of Chronos," is ambiguous and mysterious, inviting us to contemplate our relationship with time. While Chronos represents the movement of time and the unity of stasis and dynamism, the ancient Greeks saw in Cronus a cruel and powerful god who devoured his children, reminding us of time's relentlessness and ruthlessness. The heroes in Zelman's work are naked and without cultural codes, allowing us to find ourselves in a space where time seems to have been forgotten.

The series is a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between the human form and the passage of time, inviting viewers to contemplate their own relationship with time and their place in the world.

The collection comprises approximately fifty pieces, the collection has never been displayed publicly, nor has it been published anywhere. It is currently waiting for the right time to be shared with the world.