Brain waves
There is more to Uri Geller than bending spoons as a new exhibition in Nicosia demonstrates
He can read peoples minds, bend metal without touching it, fix broken watches by looking at them and erase computer tapes and disks through brain waves. It can only be Uri Geller. As an internationally-acclaimed phenomenon, renowned for his paranormal and psychic powers, Geller has been stunning crowds with his special abilities for decades. Famed as the ‘spoon bender’ he has given fascinating demonstrations of softening and bending various objects through the sheer power of the mind. Some remain amazed and in awe at this marvel, others are rather sceptical about the whole thing. Whatever way you choose to perceive Geller, he has certainly managed to gain the attention of millions around the world. You now have the chance to watch this man perform before your eyes as he gives live shows in Nicosia today and Limassol tomorrow.
How did this man discover the powers that have left the world stunned? Geller was born in Israel in 1946 to parents of Hungarian and Austrian origin and they named him Uri, after Uriel the Archangel of salvation. At the age of four he had a mysterious encounter with a sphere of light while playing in a friend’s garden and soon after became aware of his special power. One day during a meal at home, his spoon curled up in his hand and broke although he hadn’t applied any physical pressure to it. His parents were somewhat shocked but didn’t look into the matter further. Geller himself then developed his powers alone by showing them to other children at school, and his mother thought he must have inherited his abilities from their distant relative, Sigmund Freud. At the age of eleven, Geller came to live here in Cyprus.
When he returned to Israel to serve in the army at the end of the 1970s he became a household name throughout the country thanks to numerous stage appearances. He soon left Israel and travelled around Europe and the US, where his abilities caused a great scientific and public stir. In Germany, he stopped a cable car in mid-air using only the power of his mind. All this was witnessed by photographers and reporters, and the world’s media turned their attention towards Uri as leading newspapers and magazines carried prominent articles about his powers.
In the early 1990s he agreed to host his own programme for an American TV network and in the mid 90s a major motion picture inspired by Geller’s life was made, named Mindbender. This was the first film in history which allows the audience to ‘interact’ with the screen action. Now based in the UK, he continues to demonstrate his abilities around the world and has written many books that give an insight into his life and achievements. What’s more, he’s worked with the FBI and CIA using mind power to erase computer files and track serial killers.
But Geller has another talent that’s not so well known, he’s also a great artist.
Drawing and painting has absorbed him since early childhood and these hobbies developed into a passion during the 1970s, when he met Salvador Dali. This infamous artist became his mentor and teacher, exercising a powerful influence on his style. In 1992 Geller created a unique masterpiece called the ‘Geller effect’ by riveting thousands of pieces of bent cutlery to his old Cadillac. Over a million people saw the work as it caused a rage at the International Car Show in England. Since then he has been exhibiting his art works in major galleries and museums around the world. The good news for us is that he is now exhibiting the same at Gallery K in Nicosia until December. This will mark his second solo exhibition in Cyprus and will feature objects designed in aluminium, bronze, porcelain, glass and crystal.
If you’re tempted to go and see this intriguing man perform, don’t forget to take old broken watches and a spoon with you. Its bound to be an amazing evening, just take care, your watches may start moving anti-clockwise!
Uri Geller Performances
November 5 Theatro Ena, Nicosia. 5pm.
November 6 Municipal Market B, Limassol. 8.30pm
£20. Tel: 22-348203/22-439838
Uri Geller Exhibition
Solo exhibition with artwork designed in aluminium, bronze, porcelain, glass and crystal. Until December 4. Gallery K, 14 Evrou Street, Strovolos, Nicosia. Tel: 22-341123. email: [email protected]
