Anathena
dal 18/10/2006 al 19/1/2007
Segnalato da
18/10/2006
Anathena
Deste Foundation, Athens
The exhibition will present works by local artists largely unknown to the city's 'mainstream' art world, as for many years now these artists have been using their self-devised production and distribution mechanisms and channels.
Group exhibition Anathena proposed by curators Marina Fokidis and Marina Gioti
The Deste Foundation presents the group exhibition Anathena proposed by curators
Marina Fokidis and Marina Gioti. Following an open call for proposals, Anathena,
was selected by a committee comprising of Deste, Deitch Projects and The Wrong
Gallery.
Anathena features Athens-based artists and intends to highlight a dynamic yet rarely
shown aspect of the ‘local’ contemporary artistic production that has affinities
with street and music culture. The exhibition will present works by local artists
largely unknown to the city’s ‘mainstream’ art world, as for many years now these
artists have been using their self-devised production and distribution mechanisms
and channels. This creative universe does not represent a movement or a
self-manifested “scene", but rather local undercurrents of small groups and
individuals, who do not necessarily work together while in their vast majority they
do not insist on labeling what they do as “art". This self-exclusion from the local
art establishment is, in a way, an “anathema". Totally lacking the polemic and anger
usually related to the term, this “anathema" is gentle, and suggests more an
attitude of romantic indifference rather than one of dogmatic denouncement.
Most of the artists that Anathena presents work professionally as graphic designers,
internet specialists, are film or media experts or DJs. Their work draws from
different aspects of what is broadly termed “visual contemporary culture" and is
frequently community-based. It usually grows from contacts and friendships, common
influences and preferences.
Anathena will also feature a collaborative mural by artists related to street art.
They shape the younger generation of artists who mainly use drawing as a medium and
the street as their background to express their social participation. At the same
time, an innovative internet radio program will be powered by most of the
participating artists in collaboration with “vinyl microstore", to run during the
exhibition’s length. “vinyl microstore" is a music store that acts as the major
meeting, discussion, and creative venue for some artists of this community. Most
important artists who belong to the underground music scene have performed there,
usually at a small festival that takes place every year and it is called YURIA in
honor of the owner’s (Nectarios) dog who’s called Yury.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue designed by
Christos Lialios, and the website http://www.anathena.com, which is designed by
Angelo Plessas.
Preview party: Thursday 19th October 2006, at 20:30
Deste Foundation
8 Omirou Street - Neo Psychico - Athens