SPORTS AND CULTURE: Do they mix? Well, they certainly come under the same umbrella when we’re talking about Greek ministries (Ministry of Culture and Sports). However, during Greece’s most recent lockdown period, culture was sorely missed, while sports activities were allowed, by using the ‘B6’ code, which notified the government of an individual’s right to leave the home for some exercise. By using the ‘B6’ code, artist Panagiotis Voulgaris managed to combine his physical exercise, with some artistic exercises of a most interesting nature, creating a series of interventions in the area of Lycabettus.

Whilst out walking and jogging, for over a period of about four months, Voulgaris created ephemeral geometric works that interacted with the natural pine forest environment:  sometimes reflecting light, sometimes becoming transparent and sometimes disappearing. The radial arrangement of work was done using paper tape, which after a short period of time was removed and recycled for use the next day. The play of light, the recording of time, steps and paths, as well as the contact with both nature and other citizens enjoying nature were the main elements of this public work of art that uniquely reflects the special conditions of the lockdown period.

The interventions will be presented at FokiaNou Art Space, in an exhibition appropriately entitled ‘B6’, opening on Saturday, October 9 (and running till November 6). A map consisting of photographs, tapes, drawings and plants, as well as a series of raw short videos taken from a mobile phone, document Voulgaris’ lockdown interventions. An installation made of thousands of meters of thread points to all the days, routes and steps needed to create the works. A simulation of the hill of Lycabettus invites visitors of the exhibition to make the journey on foot, in order to make contact with nature and appreciate its importance. In addition, a series of walks will take place throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Panagiotis Voulgaris is a visual artist and curator, and co-director of FokiaNou Art Space in Athens. He holds a Master’s degree in Art and Architecture from the University of East London. He was a resident artist of the European Capital of Culture, Valleta, in 2018 and was a recipient of the STEP Travel Grant from the European Cultural Foundation. His main work is installations and interventions in archaeological sites, old buildings, and public spaces. He has participated in exhibitions and residencies in Greece, Italy, Malta, Sweden, France, Germany, Spain, Hungary, Brazil and the USA.

www.panagiotisvoulgaris.myportfolio.com                              www.behance.net/PanagiotisVoulgaris

FokiaNou Art Space is an artist-run project space in the intimacy of a small apartment in an old building in the center of Athens. The space encourages collaborative creative efforts between Greek and foreign artists, thereby promoting and supporting the local art community. The space hosts exhibitions, workshops and projects under the direction of two artists, Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris. www.fokianou247.gr

Opening:  Saturday 9 October, 18.00

Duration:   October 9-November 6 2021

Hours:  Wednesday – Saturday 17.00-20.00

FokiaNou Art Space, Fokianou 24, 7^th Floor, Pagrati  Metro:  Evangelismos www.fokianou247.gr

• ‘Art Scene Athens’ is written and run by artist/journalist Stella Sevastopoulos, who moved to Athens from London, in 1994. Since then, she has been following the Greek art scene, writing about it, but also exploring her own artistic practice. For examples of her art you can also visit her online portfolio