Approaches to Abstraction by Greek Artists of the Diaspora

Works from the B&E Goulandris Foundation Collection

01.07 - 27.09.2020

Museum of Contemporary Art, Andros

Approaches to Abstraction by Greek Artists of the Diaspora

Works from the B&E Goulandris Foundation Collection

01.07 - 27.09.2020

It is true the numerous Greek artists have lived or continue to live and distinguish themselves on the art scene of the countries they once took refuge and settled in. However, the theme we have focused on concerns exclusively artists who, in the midst of many difficulties, some due to an innate abstract drive and others moved by necessity, chose to be tested in the abstract standards of their time.

Some, struggling by circumstance, decided to leave their birth land, in anticipation of freedom of action and thought, seeking a share of the avant-garde manifestations of their time. Others, due to socio-political conditions or ideological convictions, were literally forced to repatriate in order to avoid persecution and conflict. Characteristic is the role of the Liberty-type transport ship, the celebrated “Mataora” which offered many a passage to freedom and remained a historical reference point for this emotionally painful and experientially agonising adventure.

In their majority, the artists who comprise this tribute are those who had the vigour to attempt transgression and to sense the messages of their time, but also the unnegotiable desire to remain ‘hooked’ to the references of their homeland.

The artists that are exhibited are:
Chryssa (Vardea), Takis (Panayiotis Vassilakis), Theodoros Stamos, Jannis Kounellis, Lucas Samaras, Thanos Tsingos, John Christoforou, Dico Byzantios, Pavlos (Dionyssopoulos), Sophia Vari, Babis Vekris (Electros), Nassos Daphnis, Constantine Andréou, George Negroponte, Mark Hadjipateras, Nakis Panayotidis, Alkis Pierrakos, Aris Koutroulis, Lynda Benglis.