Alexia Kokozaki is a Canadian-Cypriot multidisciplinary artist. Her work explores “human intention, storytelling, sentimentality” and “trying to make sense of thoughts and feelings.”
She discovered DARC during her studies in uOttawa’s Visual Arts program, anticipating that she would become a member after graduating. “I really wanted a place where I could connect over artwork … Once you leave school, you don’t have that circle anymore.”
Alexia began using DARC’s resources while in the post-production stage of her project “Different Editions of the Same Kind”. This video was part of her series “We Make a Good Pair”, which explores the dynamics and parallels between siblings.
“I was really interested in the notion of siblings and duos and how we might share mannerisms, or we might look alike, and how people think that and tell us that.”
The video features two larger-than-life doll boxes with Alexia and her older sister inside. As the title suggests, the two play doll versions of themselves. They are dressed in the same outfit, with similarly styled hair and makeup, really emphasizing the similarities between them.
“My sister and I, especially at the time where I made this video, we did a lot together. And so we would show up at events together and people would say, Oh look, it’s the Kokozaki sisters. And so we were kind of a package deal.”
While Alexia had already filmed the video, she didn’t have much experience in video and audio editing. She enrolled in a DARC workshop called The Thrifty Filmmaker, where she learned tips for making DIY video productions, including post-production techniques that helped her improve and complete her existing project.
“Different Editions of the Same Kind” was shared at Resolution 2022, DARC’s annual juried member screening. “I really was thankful to be a part of it … Everyone brought a different kind of work to the table and then there was a nice discussion at the end.”
Alexia was able to see the reception and connect with audience members over this project, hearing people share stories about their relationships with their own siblings.
“That’s what I really like, that aspect of being able to share maybe more personal or intimate parts of your life, even if it’s just very fleeting.”
