PRESENTATION: Nature Nature Nature Vol. 2

In the context of the exchanges being prepared with Greek and foreign artists, dreamideamachine resident-Athens collaborates with the Museum of Contemporary Art Chania-Olivepress; Mach More Gallery and the visual arts program ΧΑΝΙaRT-2023, to present the group exhibition “Nature Nature Nature Vol. 2”. The 69 Contemporary artists present paintings, drawings, photographs, sculptures, ceramics and installations.

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, the exhibition “Nature Nature Nature Vol. 2” emphasizes the necessity of introspection. A fundamental element of life, as well as of the Greek nature, is water, which we encounter in many forms, dominating our island country. In Crete, surrounded by water and with trees often reaching the coastline, the saying “Return to Nature” by Jean-Jacques Rousseau is sealed, which is more necessary than ever for human 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: Stella Aggelaki, Louise Ashbrooke, Evi Baloo, Nikos Bassias, Nikolas Bliatkas, Ismini Bonatsou, Lamprini Boviatsou, Rena Braoudaki, Stefania Bregianni, Manousos Chalkiadakis, Pepi Chatzidaki, Agni Chronopoulou, Alejandra Damirali, Elisabeth Dionissopoulou, Christophoros Doulgeris, Konstantin Fischer, Antonis Frantzeskakis, Maria Genitsariou, Itsmi, Stella Johnson, Nikos Kampianakis, Marigo Kassi, Nikos Kateroudakis, Antigoni Kavvatha, Maria Kelaidis, Katerina Kokkinaki, Vassiliki Koskiniotou, Giorgis Kounalis, Myrsini Koutli, Dimitris Kyriakos, Sofia Kyriakou, Francois L’Hotel, Dimitris Lempesis, Kosmas Lilikakis, Janet Liodaki, Karl-Heinz Loof, Giannis Lourakis, Sue Macfarlane, Mathios Makaronas, Eleni Manolaraki, Erietta Markadonatou, Stefanos Markakis, Giannis P. Markantonakis, Maria Michelogianni, Ioannis Monogyios, Angelos Panagiotidis, Antonia Papatzanaki, Anastasia Petraki, Vasilis Polychroniadis, Yorgos Prinos, Tiffany Riley, Konstantinos Sapanas, Chryssoula Skepetzi, Xin Song, Kostas Spanakis, Mari Stamati, John Stathatos, Dimitra Stavrinidou, Rena Stollenwerk, Katerina Tsempeli, YiorgosTzegennakis, Andreas Vais, Irini Vazoukou, Ariadni Vitastali, Magdalini Vogiatzi, Grigoria Vryttia, Judith Watson, Ellen Weijers, Andreas Zymvragos

Photo: Ioannis Monogyios, Heads, 2023, Linocut on wood, 48 Χ 74 cm, © & Courtesy the artist

 Info: Curator: Efi Michalarou, Mach More Gallery and Mach More Underground Gallery, 351 Dimokratias Avenue, Platanias, Chania, Creta Island, Duration: 8/7-5/8/2023, Days & Hours: 12:00-22:00, Contact by email: here, here, here, or here, www.dreamideamachine.com/

Sponsors: ANEK LINES & BLUE STAR FERRIES

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