ART ATHINA runs November 12-16, and, if there’s one art event that you shouldn’t miss, then maybe this is it, because it offers visitors a grand vista on the contemporary art scene, presenting its diversity in terms of creativity: from serene landscape paintings to works made of salt. And there are also some important works from other epoques also to view, such as an amazing sculptural relief by Yannoulis Halepas (part of the Onassis Collection), which has been presented in its wooden transportation crate, thus giving it a contemporary context of sorts. So, why not give your neurons an opportunity to make some new connections, via this exciting visual experience, which reflects on the day and age we are living in, in particular.
A lot has changed since the first Art Athina, back in 1993. The venues have changed, ranging from the Helexpo building on Kifissias Avenue, to the Tae Kwon Do building in Faliron, and even the former airport at Elliniko and the Athens Conservatoire have hosted this art fair in the past. Many of us associate Art Athina with the Zappeion Megaron, which was its venue in the centre of Athens in recent years. And this year, has been another year of change for this annual art fair, which is now being hosted at the Onassis Ready building. A change of venue, which has given this, Greece’s largest art fair, a different character, one which has been inspired by its new industrial environment, as evident even in the kids workshops planned during the fair. Art Athina gathers 65 galleries at Onassis Ready, plus a whole host of other events, aiming to bring not only art aficionados together, but also those who are curious to find out more about the contemporary art scene, and what makes it tick. But considering that art is often a reflection of life, there is meaning to be garnered by all, in what contemporary artists choose to focus on.
For more, you may visit a more indepth article here, and the Art Athina website here.
And, here’s a taste of some of the art you will see.
Corcho’s ‘Deadmen’, at Wilhelmina’s. Here, the Memento Mori concept in art is combined with a touch of the Oscars, and the President’s men, in these imposing nearly life-size golden statues
Art Scene Athens is written/run by artist/journalist Stella Sevastopoulos. For more info, you may visit the ‘About’ page here
