PRESENTATION: nature, nature, nature Vol. 1 (Part I)
This May marks the beginning of the first in a series of exhibitions and events, by dreamideamachine resident-Athens in the context of the exchanges being prepared with Greek and foreign artists, with the group exhibition “nature, nature, nature Vol. 1” in its space. Discussions, lectures, interventions, videos, performances, and workshops will follow.
By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Dreamideamachine Archive
With the statement of Anaxagoras in mind, “Nature does not know extinction, only transformation,” in a truly difficult era where nature and the environment are under attack by human greed and climate change, stemming from ruthless human behavior, through redefinition, with Greek nature spreading everywhere as water is its fundamental component, in a city like Athens where we can reach the sea in fifteen minutes, in contrast to the “Urban Nature” of Europe through the well-preserved parks we discover daily, the phrase “Return to Nature” according to Jean-Jacques Rousseau is more necessary than ever for mankind and an inseparable part of its existence. The aforementioned concerns, inherent in the thoughts and minds of every sensitive human being, occupy contemporary artists more than ever. They either create works inspired by nature as commentary on its destruction and climate change, or make substantive interventions upon it through land art, performances, videos, and actions, or even use natural materials as a starting point for their artworks. With a focus on humans and the quality of life they deserve, with respect and love for nature and the happiness that arises from our harmony with it, twenty contemporary artists create works using various expressive mediums: drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, installations, aiming to leave their own imprint, raise their voice, and convey a series of messages about the reckless use of natural resources, destruction, and climate change. Sometimes, they capture the beauty of the landscape as a reminder of what exists today and may soon disappear, as the French oceanographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau noted, “Throughout history, man has had to struggle with nature to survive. In this century, he is beginning to realize that in order to survive, he must protect it”. Based on all of the above, the selection of artists participating in the exhibition was made. They responded to our invitation with great interest, including those who systematically engage with the theme of nature and the environment, as well as those who created works specifically for the exhibition.
Participating Artists: Ismini Bonatsou, Lamprini Boviatsou, Agni Chronopoulou, Elissavet Dionysopoulou, Maria Genitsariou, Itsmi, Vassiliki Koskiniotou, Sofia Kuriakou, Dimitris Kyriakos, Dimitris Lempesis, Gina Markou, Thekla Papadopoulou, Artemis Potamianou, Panagiotis Rappas, Chrysa Skordaki, Eri-Georgia Skyrgianni, Maria Stamati, Irini Vazoukou, Ariadni Vitastali & Grigoria Vryttia
Photo Left: Maria Stamati, Construction from the project in progress: ’’The sea is not an industry’’, 2023, Mixed media, 30 x 30 x 33 cm, © & Courtesy the artist. Right: Sofia Kyriakou, Magic Object I, Found Objects, Dimensions Variables, © & Courtesy the artist
Info: Curator: Efi Michalarou, Dreamideamachine Residensy-Athens, Kolonou 55-59, Metaxourgio, Athens, Greece, Duration: 23-31/5/2023, Days & Hours: Tue-Fri 18:00-21:00, Sat-Sun 12:00-15:00, www.dreamideamachine.com/
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