Tag: art

Mykonos arts & culture events in 2023

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Major arts and culture events on Mykonos during summer 2023

 

Concert on Delos island

On Friday September 29, the Municipality of Mykonos, the Cyclades Antiquities Office, and the Greek Plan will present Dimitris Papadimitriou — Concert on Delos, a live music event featuring “Papadimitriou’s musical work on poems by Greek poets from antiquity to today.” The 2-part concert will take place on historic Delos island. The first performance, at dusk, will celebrate the Greek god Apollo, who in mythology was born on Delos island. The second part will be performed at nightfall, and will be dedicated to Artemis, the goddess of the moon. For this event, concertgoers can take boats departing for Delos at 4 and 5 p.m. The concert will commence at 6 p.m.  The ferries will return to Mykonos after the performance, at 8.30 p.m. Tickets for the return boat ride cost €22 and will be available from the Delos Tours kiosks at both the New Port and Old Port.   Further details can be found on the Facebook page for the local cultural organization , Kdeppam Mykonos.

 

 

Bonis Windmill on Mykonos

On Wednesday September 27, the friends of the Mykonos Folklore Museum celebrate the re-opening of the Bonis Windmill agricultural museum following a lengthy closure for extensive restoration and repair work.  The event will feature live entertainment, and takes place starting at 6 p.m. at the windmill, situated on the hillside overlooking Chora (Mykonos Town).

 

Mykonos Biennale 2023

Mykonos Biennale is back for its 2023 series of art, drama, film and other cultural events based on this year’s theme, “Orphic Mysteries.” Check the Mykonos Biennale website for details of events and locations. The Biennale takes place from September 27 to October 3.

 

Savvas Finest Greek Goods

On Tuesday September 19, Savvas Finest Greek Goods in Mykonos Town will host an in-store olive oil tasting event presented by olive oil expert Anita Zachou

 

Evgenia Grypari art exhibition

An exhibition of works by artist Evgenia Grypari will be presented from September 11 to 20 at Syrioti Hall on Meletopoulou Street in Chora

 

 

music event at Mykonos lighthouse

On Sunday September 3, local cultural organization Kdeppam presents a live sunset performance by singer – musician Evi Mazi at the historic Armenitis Lighthouse at the northwestern tip of Mykonos. Accompanied by musicians Dimos Vougioukas, Dimitris Koulogiorgos and Kostas Arsenis, Evi will perform songs from a wide range of styles and time periods. The performance starts at 7:30 p.m., and admission is free.

 

Koukoumi Hotel on Mykonos

On Thursday August 10, Koukoumi Vegan Hotel in Ano Mera is hosting a vegan cooking class with chef Aggeliki Charami and chef de partie Anna Lymperi

 

KDEPPAM MykonosOn Friday August 11, the local arts & culture organization KDEPPAM Mykonos presents a live musical interpretation of Alfred Lord Tennyson’s masterpiece, Enoch Arden. Published in 1864, Tennyson’s text was an inspiration to other artists including Richard Strauss who, in 1897, “wrote a unique composition for narrator and piano, inspired by Tennyson’s magical text. A touching and beautiful love story,” says a Kdeppam social media post describing the upcoming event. For this performance, “Pygmalion Dadakaridis takes on the role of narrator and the virtuoso soloist Thodoris Jovanakis accompanies him.”  The show is being presented free of charge in the KDEPPAM Art Hall on Matogianni Street. The performance starts at 9 p.m.

 

August 1 - 10 Corona Blues aerial photography exhibition on Mykonos

From August 1 to 10, the municipal Kalogera gallery hosts Corona Blues, an aerial photography exhibition by local artists Jornik Kambanis

 

Scorpios Mykonos Encounters art program

On Friday August 4, Scorpios beach club launches its latest Encounters — In Resonance art exhibition, Echoes of Alhambra. a collaboration between new media artist Orkhan Mammadov and DJ/musician Lannka. “The historic Islamic architecture, calligraphy, fountains and gardens of the Alhambra in Andalusia provide an abundance of inspiring imagery for Lannka x Orkhan’s 250 digital artworks and data visualization piece,” the club says in social media posts announcing the event.

 

Cavo Tagoo Mykonos

On Saturday July 29, Kapopoulos Fine Arts and The Art Dose are presenting a special “artistic evening” featuring an exhibition of select paintings and works by international artists. The event is being held in the lobby of the Cavo Tagoo hotel in Mykonos Town.

 

Orlinski Gallery on Mykonos

In July, Kapopoulos Fine Arts established an exclusive new gallery featuring works by acclaimed contemporary artist Richard Orlinski. Located at 48 Matthaiou Andronikou street, the Orlinski Gallery will celebrate its arrival on Mykonos with a grand opening event on July 20 at 9 p.m. The artist will be attending.

 

Scorpios beach club on Mykonos

On Sunday July 23, Scorpios beach club reveals a new artwork as part of its summer music and art Encounters program. Island Illusions: Aegean Echoes is a collaborative work by AI artist Dr. Ivona Tau and DJ/Produceer Jean Claude Ades. “Combining AI art with electronic music, they depict the transformative power of nature. Ivona and Jean Claude explore the dance between the sea and the coast, while looking at the kinetic and constantly changing nature of the shoreline,” Scorpios says in a social media post announcing the event.

 

 

Scorpios Mykonos

On Tuesday July 25,  Scorpios presents Zorba, its second special artwork reveal of the week.  A collaborative art project of DJ/Producer duo Bedouin and 3D artist Hugo Johnson, Zorba “offers a glimpse into the souls of storms, reimagining extreme weather patterns as human beings with unique identities. The star of the portrait series is Zorbas, the first cyclone to hit the Mediterranean,” Scorpios said in a social media post announcing the reveal.

 

 

Bill & Coo restaurant on Mykonos

On Thursday July 27, Bill & Coo Mykonos Restaurant‘s Gastronomy Project will present a special six-course degustation menu paired with a “vertical tasting” of wines from renowned Chateau Angelus.  Attendance is limited, so reservations are essential.

 

 

Namah restaurant Mykonos

On Saturday July 29, Kivotos Hotel & Villas at Ornos Bay will be presenting a special dining and live entertainment event in its open-air poolside restaurant, Namah. The event starts at 8 p.m. and features “an exciting fusion of fine and creative Greek cuisine supervised by our executive Chef Christos Pedes, and Latin culture” highlighted by “lively Latin rhythms and spirited dancing,” the hotel said on its social media pages. There is a set menu for the dinner, and tables should be reserved by contacting the hotel’s concierge / guest relation team by telephone at: +30 22890 24094

 

The Light of Apollo

Every Thursday during July, Kalesma Hotel is presenting The Light of Apollo, “a first-of-its-kind performance art project that explores divine inspiration, the mythological element and the island of Mykonos itself.” Created and performed by the Tracing Echoes Project, The Light of Apollo is a unique immersive show that combines contemporary dance, music and movement. “The play rekindles the flame of classical Greek mythology through a new retelling of the myth of Apollo – the god of music and light – as the show revives seminal stories of the past in an exciting, multi-faceted ritual,” says a media release announcing the shows. “Throughout the event, the boundaries between performer and observer will be broken down, as attendees find themselves surrounded by dancers, actors and musicians. From classical theatre to an al fresco feast of local cuisine, the show will proudly shine a light on authentic island tradition. With the sacred island of Delos on the horizon, The Light of Apollo transforms the resort and its guests into essential characters in the performance. Together, they build a bridge connecting Mykonos to Delos, the historical with the contemporary, the earthly with the divine. The show is thus a homage to this legacy, a celebration of land and legend and Mykonian visionaries past and present,” the announcement explains. The play is presented in the morning from 10 a.m. to noon at the hotel’s Pere Ubu Mykonos restaurant, and continues in the evening from 8 to 8:45 p.m. at Kalesma’s Aloni Sunset Lounge. The performances are open to hotel guests as well as visitors staying elsewhere on the island.

 

Mykonos Municipal Art Gallery

From June 12 to July 30, the Mykonos Municipal Art Gallery is hosting two artistic tributes to the painter Teli Vassilikioti — the special exhibition “Aristotle Vassilikiotis: Unexpected Changes of Course,” and the permanent exhibition “Aristotle Vassilikiotis: 1902-1972.”

 

Mykonos Art Festival 2023

The Mykonos Art Festival 2023 takes place from June 30 to September 24. The annual summer event presents an extensive variety of art and music entertainment geared to all ages, at venues across  Mykonos and on Delos island.  Click here to view the full festival program.

 

Mykonos Art Festival 2023

This is calendar of Mykonos Art Festival 2023 events scheduled for August

 

Eden Gallery on Mykonos

Eden Gallery on Mykonos

On July 12, Eden Gallery at Nammos Village launched its annual Mykonos Summer Event Series. The program, which runs until August 12, will feature nine events showcasing 12 of the gallery’s exclusive contemporary artists. The popular Eden Gallery events are among the highlights of the Mykonos summer art scene, and offer “a captivating blend of art, culture and entertainment,” the gallery noted in a media release announcing the program.

 

Noema Mykonos HOFA gallery

For summer 2023, the gallery at Noema Mykonos restaurant and bar is exhibiting an array of “breathtaking artwork from a selection of emerging and established artists,” in a special collaboration with HOFA Gallery.  Noema is located in the Panachra neighbourhood of Chora (Mykonos Town), and its gallery is open daily from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m.  Information about the gallery, and a link to a PDF profile of the artists and works featured in the exhibition, can be found at this page of the Noema website.

 

Scorpios beach club on Mykonos

Already world-renowned for its fine dining restaurant and its incredibly popular sunset music rituals and other consciousness-raising gatherings, Scorpios beach club will make a distinctive mark this summer on the international contemporary art scene. For 2023, the club is introducting Encounters, its “new platform for cultural experimentation.”  The In Resonance art program — which will spotlight artists and musicians who resonate together” — is set to run from July 13 to September 4. “From a series of art installations and live performances, to opportunities to collect innovative, experimental artwork, Scorpios will take you into the heart of the digital art movement,” the club said in a news release announcing the initiative.  Further details about the art program can be found on the Encounters page of the Scorpios website.

 

Cine Manto Mykonos

May 19 was opening day for Cine Manto, the open-air cinema tucked into a hidden garden oasis in the heart of Mykonos Town.  The cinema plays first-release movies in their original versions, usually in English, starting at 9 p.m. daily. The cinema also is home to an all-day cafe-bar where visitors can escape the summer heat and crowds to relax with a coffee, drink or meal.

 

Past events

 

Matsuhisa Mykonos 20th Anniversary & Nobu Food Festival

The Matsuhisa Mykonos “new style” Japanese fine dining restaurant at the Belvedere Hotel celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and will hold its annual Nobu Festival from June 27 to July 2. The Festival offers an exclusive culinary experience with Chef Nobu Matsuhisa and guest sushi masters, and this year will also celebrate the grand opening of the restaurant’s Omakase Bar. 

 

 

Here is the schedule for music performances taking place on the evening of Friday June 30, opening night for the Mykonos Art Festival 2023:

♦  Entertainment gets underway at 6 p.m. at the Old Port, below the Mykonos Archaeological Museum, with a performance by World Music Duo (Periklis Aliopis on trumpet and Vasilis Tziatzias on guitar);

♦ At 6:30 p.m., at Mykonos Town Hall, The Storyville Ragtimers band will perform;

♦ At 7 p.m., vocalist Kelly Kaltsi will sing at Paraportiani church;

♦ At 7:30, guitarist Charitini Panopoulou will play at Melkis Axioti Square;

♦ At 8 p.m., the violin and harp duo Music ΚonTin-entity will perform at the Mykonos Municipal Gallery KDDEPAM;

♦ At 8:30, the O&K Classical Music Quartet will play at the Municipal Library, and

♦ At 9 p.m. the brass and percussion ensemble Metallon Quintent will perform at Manto Square,  where official opening ceremonies for the festival also will take place.

 

Evangelistria cargo ship on Mykonos

Here’s a not-to-be-missed event for any ship or maritime history enthusiasts visiting Mykonos on Sunday July 2. At 5 p.m. that day, a special ceremony will take place at the Old Port in Mykonos Town to welcome the return of the island’s beloved cargo ship, Evangelistria. Built  in 1940, Evangelistria transported cargo throughout the Aegean islands until 1978, when she was decommissioned and left in drydock for nearly 11 years on nearby Syros island. Out of the sea for so long, Evangelistria quickly deteriorated. The founder of the Aegean Maritime Museum in Mykonos, George Drakopoulos, persuaded the ship’s owner to donate the vessel to the museum and the island municipality so it could be restored and maintained as a floating maritime museum.  Evangelistria is returning to Mykonos after undergoing repairs at a shipyard on Salamina island. The brief welcoming ceremony will take place at the Old Port, near Ai. Nikolaki of Kadena, the charming little blue-domed church near Mykonos Town Hall. Afterward, the boat will be open to the public for tours.

Mykonos Art Festival 2023

On Sunday July 2, Mykonos Art Festival presents Troades, a tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright, Euripides. (The play also is known by the titles The Trojan Women and The Women of Troy.) Directed by Violet Louise, and featuring Aglaia Pappa in the role of Ekavi, this performance “is a modern adaptation of the poetic text where sound, music and image coexist creatively,” a festival event announcement says. The production will be staged at the entrance to the Monastery of St. George in Ano Mera, where the cast of three actors will “tell the tragic story of the war and as the only survivors they mourn in the deserted city of Troy.” Start time is 9 p.m.

 

Alissachni Mykonos Hotel

On Monday July 3, Alissachni Mykonos Hotel is holding a Mexican night with music and a special menu created by Chef Psomopoulos Stavros. The hotel is situated on a hilltop in the Agios Lazaros area of the island, overlooking Psarou beach. Contact the hotel directly at +30 2289024669 for reservations or further information.

 

Buddha-Bar Beach Mykonos

From July 2 to 9, Buddha-Bar Beach Mykonos presents Cocktails Week with special guest Francesco Galdi, the Buddha-Bar Group’s corporate beverage manager.  “Ιnfluenced by his early exposure to his grandparents’ bars and restaurants, and guided by the DNA of Buddha-Bar’s concepts, Francesco’s cocktails become a liquid expression of travel, perfumes and traditions, seamlessly fused with cutting-edge techniques,” says a social media announcement for the event.  Buddha-Bar Beach Mykonos restaurant and bar is situated in the Santa Marina Resort at Ornos.

 

Kapopoulos Fine Arts in Mykonos

From July 6 to 10, Kapopoulos Fine Arts on Enoplan Dinameon Street will present the solo exhibition of 17 works by L.A.-based, Paris-born experimental and digital artist Punk Me Tender. The artist will be attending the opening night reception on July 6.

 

Scorpios beach club on Mykonos

On July 13 and 14, Scorpios presents Refik Anadol X The Yawanawa, the first event in its Encounters — In Resonance arts and music program for summer 2023.  Anadol, an award-winning media artists, and the Yawanawa, an indigenous community in Brazil’s Amazon, have co-created “an exclusive piece (available as an edition consisting of three), as well as a collection of digital artworks that reflects the Yawanawá’s connection with the forest and responds to real-time data from the Amazon rainforest.” The artwork will be revealed on July 13. “On July 14th Yawanawá chiefs Nixiwaka and Isku Kua will lead a prayer and musical performance together with their family Ninunihu and Ykashahu.” The celebrations will be followed by a panel discussion that will “provide a glimpse into the creation process of the artwork series and its objectives.”

 

 

 

Seascape in a Garden arts event

Seascape in a Garden is a unique arts & culture event being held July 14 and 15 on the Delos island archaeological site. It features a visual and sound installation as well as a live performance that aims to draw attention to “the protection and risks of our natural environment.” According to an event announcement, “Japanese and Greek cultural traditions converge in the sculptural installation by Greek artist Katerina Karatzaferi that is inspired by the Japanese tradition Komomaki and patterns of Greek weaving practices. Karatzaferi’s work converses with Ahmed Saleh’s sound installation and performance inspired by his personal aural memories from the city of his native Alexandria . In the historic and symbolic site of Delos, the two works acquire new meanings as they encounter archaeology, historic memory, nature and myth.”  Seascape in a Garden is part of a program called All of Greece One Culture 2023, an initiative of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The event is being held in conjunction with the Mykonos Art Festival. The visual and sound installations will be open to visitors throughout the day on both July 14 and 15, with the live performances starting at 6:30 p.m. and lasting around 45 minutes. Admission to the event is free, but visitors will have to pay the regular entry fee to access the Delos island archaeological site.

 

Art, food, fashion, hotels, shops, clubs, parties & more: What’s new on Mykonos for 2019

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Rizes Folklore Farmstead in Mykonos exterior photo from the business page on Facebook

Olive Tree Mykonos sunset view dining terrace photo from the restaurant page on Facebook

Blue Marlin Ibiza Mykonos beachfront photo from the official club page on Facebook

Mykonos Olive Oil Tasting photo from its official page on Facebook

Aegon Mykonos exterior photo from the hotel page on Facebook

Contemporary sculpture in the garden at the Blue Fusion Art Restaurant

Open air dining patio at Taverna Kandavlos on Mykonos

Moussaka photo from the Olive Tree Mykonos restaurant website

Apiro Mykonos hotel website photo of a standard triple room interior

Sea bass tartare dish photo from the I Frati Mykonos restaurant page on Facebook

Sanctus Mykonos photo from the nightclub page on Facebook

Fresh fish on the grill at Sealicious by Kounelas restaurant on Mykonos

Sunset view from Chill Out Lounge Bar Cafe at the Chill Out Studios on MMykonos

Nusr-et Steakhouse Mykonos photo from the restaurant page on Facebook

Evripides Art Gallery Art & Fashion Project with Dimitris Ntasios at 30 Kalogera Street in Mykonos

From the top: Rizes Folklore Farmstead & Restaurant; the seaview patio at Olive Tree restaurant; sunbeds at Blue Marlin Ibiza Mykonos beach club; a flight of sampling glasses at Mykonos Olive Oil Tasting; Aegon Mykonos hotel at Kalo Livadi; one of the artworks in the sculpture garden at Blue Fusion Art Restaurant; the patio at Taverna Kandavlos; moussaka at Olive Tree restaurant; inside a room at Apiro-Mykonos hotel; sea bass tartare at I Frati restaurant; a lounge at Sanctus after-hours nightclub; fresh fish on the grill at Sealicious by Kounelas; sunset view from Chill Out Lounge Bar Cafe; a signature Salt Bae steak at Nusr-Et; contemporary art and one-of-a-kind designer fashions at the Dassios boutique/Evripides Art Gallery.

 

New & noteworthy: Besides the iconic white Cycladic architecture, sparkling Aegean Sea and brilliant sunshine, there’s much to bedazzle first-time visitors to Mykonos — a dizzying array of glitzy shops, glam restaurants, bustling bars and chic accommodations among them. With dozens of new establishments opening on the island each year, Mykonos maintains its famously vibrant and exciting atmosphere for returning visitors and local residents alike.

This summer has been no exception, as I have discovered: More than thirty new enterprises that have set up shop in and around Mykonos Town, at some of the famous beaches and elsewhere on the island. The newcomers include places to eat, drink, party, shop and sleep, plus some enlightening and fascinating attractions and activities.

Among the noteworthy highlights of this year’s arrivals:

♦ A new beach club at Kalo Livadi, sunset boat party cruises to Rhenia island, and a really, really, really cool place to get an ice cold drink. And, for night owls, three new spots to party into the wee hours of the morning;

♦ Fun olive oil tasting workshops where participants can sample some of the best Greek extra virgin olive oils and learn how to pair oils with food to elevate flavours and make their home cooking shine;

♦ Four art new galleries and exhibition spaces — including one outdoors — showcasing contemporary Greek art and sculpture; 

♦ Over half a dozen boutiques and summer pop-ups offering fashionistas even more places to shop and browse exclusive designer clothing and accessories in Mykonos Town and at Psarou beach;

♦ A meticulously recreated Mykonian farmstead where tourists can experience what life was like on the island in the days before electricity and Internet, view folk art exhibitions, take cooking and bread baking classes, and dine on breakfasts and traditionally-prepared meals in the farm restaurant;

♦ A wide range of accommodations with lodging options ranging from rental studios and apartments to luxury hotels and beach resorts boasting suites and villas with private pools;

♦ A vast array of appetite-whetting places to enjoy food and beverages, including new coffee and dessert shops; street food cafes; vegan and healthy food eateries; and restaurants specializing in fish, seafood or sushi; meat dishes; pizza; crepes; breakfast & brunch; comfort food; and Greek, Italian, Mediterranean and international cuisine. 

 

Starting on page 2, I have compiled profiles of the new businesses, complete with photos, videos and links to their websites and social media pages (where available) so you can learn more and follow them if interested. I have deliberately packed this blog post with images so that readers who haven’t been to Mykonos before can get a good grasp of what Greece’s most sophisticated, cosmopolitan and international island is all about.

And just in case you think Mykonos is only a place where people go to party, bear in mind that the island also happens to be a major dining destination. With more than 400 places to eat, it’s a foodie delight, offering not just traditional and gourmet Greek food, fish and seafood, but also contemporary, internationally-inspired cuisines from around the globe.

Since many of the newcomers to Mykonos this season are restaurants and cafes, I have included plenty of pictures to show some of the food they serve — appetizers, main courses, breakfasts and desserts. But here’s an important warning: Don’t continue reading if you’re the least bit hungry; otherwise, you could feel absolutely ravenous by the time you finish scrolling through all the food photos!

Crystal View Mykonos view photo from the rental property Facebook page

Healthylicious Mykonos breakfast dish seen in a photo from the restaurant page on Facebook

Displays inside the Philipp Plein boutique at Nammos Village shopping center on Mykonos

Venus Gallery at the Aphrodite Beach Resort Mykonos photo from Facebook

Sunset view from Apiro Mykonos Hotel

Yomamas street food restaurant Mykonos food photo from the restaurant page on Instagram

Mykonos Boat Club promotional image for its sunset boat party cruises to Rhenia island

Major J Breakfast and Branch patio photo from the restaurant page on Facebook

Bulgari pop up store on Mykonos seen in a photo from the Nammos Village shopping center page on Facebook

Street view of LAragosta Mykonos in a photo from the restaurant website

Jennys Summer Houses Mykonos grand villa room interior photo from the property website

Burger platter photo by Cantina Mykonos street food restaurant

Blue Fusion Art Restaurant Mykonos patio photo from the restaurants website

I Frati Mykonos wine racks photo from the restaurant Facebook page

Partying in dayglo faux furs at Ice Bar Mykonos as seen in a photo from the bar page on Instagram

Entertainment at Cirque Mykonos nightclub seen in a photo from the club page on Instagram

My Plate Mykonos chicken skewer dinners photo from the restaurant page on Facebook

From the top: The view from Crystal View rooms above Megali Ammos; a breakfast dish at Healthylicious; the Philipp Plein boutique at Nammos Village; Venus Gallery at the Aphrodite Beach Resort; a sunset view from Apiro-Mykonos Hotel; a breakfast meal at Yo’Mamas Street Food Cafe; partying on the Mykonos Boat Club cruise to Rhenia; the outdoor patio at Major J Breakfast & Brunch; the Bulgari boutique at Nammos Village shopping center; night view of L’Aragosta Italian restaurant; inside the Grand Villa at Jenny’s Summer Houses;  a burger platter at Cantina street food eatery; the patio at Blue Fusion Art bar & restaurant;  shelves of wine in the deli shop at I Frati restaurant; partiers wearing dayglo faux furs at Ice Bar Mykonos; one of the entertainment acts at Cirque nightclub; skewers of marinated & grilled chicken at My Plate Mykonos.

 

Please click on a link below to read about what’s new on Mykonos in 2019.

Page 2 profiles new bars, beach clubs, nightclubs and party boat cruises;

Page 3 presents new cafes and restaurants;

Page 4 looks at new attractions and activities, art galleries, and fashion shops.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

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Modern sculptures amid ancient ruins: An extra visual delight for Delos visitors this summer

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Photograph of an Antony Gormley iron sculpture displayed among the ruins on Delos island

Sculptures by Sir Antony Gormley, including this 2015 work entitled Connect,  have been installed on Delos island as part of a landmark  art exhibition on display this summer only 

 

Modern art on ancient site: After exploring the historic ruins on Delos three separate times between 2004 and 2010, I haven’t felt an urge to make a return trip to the island in recent years.  After all, the monuments and the island itself wouldn’t look noticeably different from my previous visits, so there wouldn’t be anything particularly “new” for me to discover. And besides, there are dozens of other major archaeological sites in Greece that I haven’t seen at all — so going to some of those has been a higher priority than  a fourth trip to Delos.

But this summer  I have really been regretting that I can’t get to Delos to see something that is in fact completely new and different, and available for viewing only during this year’s tourist season.

It’s a groundbreaking modern art installation called SIGHT, which features 29 iron “bodyform” sculptures that acclaimed British artist Antony Gormley has positioned among the historic Delos monuments and antiquities — on the island’s coast and harbourfront, atop Plakes Peak and Mount Kynthos, and in one of the galleries in the Delos archaeological museum.

 

Sir Antony Gormley and one of the sculptures in his SIGHT installation on Delos as seen in a photo from the NEON page on Facebook

Antony Gormley poses with his 2017 work, Reflect, on Delos island. The photo was shared on the Facebook page for NEON, the non-profit cultural organization that commissioned and organized the SIGHT exhibition.

 

The SIGHT exhibit is noteworthy for two key reasons: It’s the first time an artist has taken over the archaeological site since Delos was last inhabited 5,000 years  ago, and it’s the first time the Greek Archaeological Council has approved a contemporary art installation on the island.

It’s an historic art event I would certainly appreciate: I enjoy sculpture (from any era) and I would love to see some of Gormley’s work up close. Viewing his pieces on Delos — five of which were created specifically for this event — would give me fresh new perspectives of the island and its significant historical and mythical past. I have been intrigued and moved by photos of the sculptures I have seen on websites and social media, so I know that seeing the pieces in person would be a fascinating experience.

Unfortunately,  a trip to Greece isn’t possible for me before the exhibit ends. But if you are a fine arts and sculpture enthusiast yourself, and you will be visiting Mykonos (or Naxos or Paros, from which daytrips to Delos are also available) before October 31, don’t miss the unique opportunity to experience the island while the Gormley “bodyforms” are on display. 

 

SIGHT is a project that the Greek non-profit cultural organization NEON organized in collaboration with the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades. The exhibition continues until October 31 2019.

Extensive details and information about Delos and the sculpture exhibit are available on the SIGHT page of the NEON website

Below is an 8-minute video in which Antony Gormley discusses Delos and the inspiration for his work, followed by photos of several of the sculptures displayed on the island.

 

 

From the NEON page on Instagram a photo of an Antony Gormley sculpture on the coast of Delos island Greece

 

From the NEON page on Instagram a photo of an Antony Gormley sculpture atop Mount Kynthos on Delos island Greece

 

Photograph of the Antony Gormley sculpture Cast III on Delos island

 

A sculpture from the Sir Antony Gormley SIGHT exhibition on Delos island seen in a photo from the NEON page on Facebook

 

From the NEON page on Instagram a photo of an Antony Gormley sculpture positioned in the ruins on Delos island Greece

 

An Antony Gormley sculpture on the coast of Delos island seen in a photo from the NEON page on Facebook

 

Photograph of the Antony Gormley sculpture Shift II from 2000 in the Delos Archaeological Museum

 

One of the Antony Gormley iron sculptures on Delos island in 2019

 

Promotional image for the Antony Gormley contemporary sculpture exhibition Sight on Delos island in 2019

 

Cyclades islands celebrate summer with festivals for food & wine, arts & literature, culture & sports

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International Festival of the Aegean

A promotional poster for the 10th Annual International Festival of the Aegean taking place July 6 to 19 in Ermoupoli on Syros island.

 

Food & culture fests: I love travelling to Greek islands during low season, particularly in the spring, but that means I always miss out on major cultural and gastronomical celebrations that are held only during the summer.

Just in the Cyclades group of islands this month alone, a wide variety of food & wine festivals, painting & photography shows, arts & literature events and fun sport competitions will be taking place on Antiparos, Naxos, Paros, Santorini, Schinoussa, Serifos and Syros.

(Cultural events abound in other island groups, too, and of course there are scores of religious festivals throughout the country, many of which take place during the summer. But those are topics I’ll cover in future posts.)

Below is an outline of just a few of the festivities you can check out if you happen to be island hopping in the Cyclades between this weekend and the end of September. You’re in for a big surprise if you thought the Greek islands were only about picturesque villages, beautiful sandy beaches and gorgeous scenery!

 Click on the 2 in the link below to continue reading about activities on Antiparos, Santorini, Naxos, Paros, Schinoussa, Syros, Serifos and Mykonos.

 

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An Athens hidden gem: the TAF art space & café

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The Art Foundation in Athens

An art installation in one of the cool gallery spaces at metamatic: taf

 

 

Cool spaces: If you’d like to have a coffee or drink in a cool and truly unique setting, and have the opportunity to view contemporary art exhibitions at the same time, make plans to visit metamatic: taf (formerly called TAF: The Art Foundation) next time you’re in Athens.

One of the most fascinating cultural venues we’ve ever seen, metamatic: taf is an incredibly innovative multi-purpose facility that features cool gallery and performance art spaces along with a fabulous courtyard-café bar that received praise in the New York Times Magazine last year.

metamatic: taf is secluded inside a rustic old building at 5 Normanou Street in the Monastiraki flea market neighbourhood of Athens, and is so inconspicuous from the dingy, dark street that it’s almost hard to believe more than 200,000 people visit each year. Until you see what’s inside.

 

Our friend promised to show us something amazing

A friend showed us the place last October while we were on our way to a birthday party in the nearby Psirri neighbourhood. Leading us along a series of dark and narrow cobblestone streets, she promised there was something “amazing” that we just had to see while we were in the area. (Of course, we couldn’t help but wonder where the heck she was taking us, since the streets were practically vacant and everything appeared to be locked up tight.)

We had absolutely no idea what to expect when we stepped through a pair of wrought iron doors into a stone-walled, ground-level room that was almost empty.  The room had a few pieces of furniture, including two televisions that were both turned on, one displaying the words “super cool” above an image of a ceramic owl. We walked up a flight of stairs, turned a corner and found ourselves on a walkway overlooking the impressive courtyard café. I distinctly remember saying “Wow!” and thinking what a great place it would be to have a drink.

Our friend led us down the walkway, where windows and doors offered views into rooms housing a variety of interesting and provocative contemporary art installations. The works reminded me of art projects we had seen during some of the annual Nuit Blanche events back home in Toronto. After we spent a short period of time checking out the art displays, our friend led us through the courtyard — which was buzzing with dozens of people enjoying conversation over wine, beer and cocktails — and eventually back out to the street.

 

Look for a small, illuminated logo next to a doorway

When I asked “how the heck would anyone even know how to find this place,” our friend pointed to a small illuminated metamatic: taf logo on the wall next to the entrance gate. If we had been trying to find the place on our own, I think we probably would have walked past without even seeing the sign. Of course, it was obvious once it was pointed out to us.

Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to stay for a drink and enjoy the atmosphere because we had to join other friends for a birthday dinner celebration at a taverna. But next time we’re in Athens, we’ll see if we can find our way back.

If you need to be convinced that metamatic: taf is worth a visit, consider that it got good press in the New York Times Magazine. The magazine’s April 7 2013 food and drink edition included the feature A World of Secret Watering Holes, in which overseas-based New York Times reporters described “their most memorable drinking spots.” Correspondent Rachel Donadio’s pick for Athens reads: “It’s on a gritty street in downtown Athens, under the shadow of the Acropolis. At night, you have to wander through a shuttered flea market to find it. But inside, the Art Foundation, or TAF, is a hidden garden — a courtyard where trees are strung with lights; an oasis, young and alive.”

metamatic: taf also was profiled in an October 11 2013 article that Nelly Paraskevopoulou wrote for USA Today’s 10Best Travel Advice for Travelers website in October 2013.

You can obtain more information about the venue and its events by visiting the metamatic: taf Facebook page.

 

metamatic: taf in Athens

A small illuminated logo marks the location of the entrance to the metamatic: taf galleries and café-bar at 5 Normanou Street

 

 

metamatic taf in Athens

Televisions we saw inside the gallery & café entrance

 

 

metamatic: taf in Athens

The cozy courtyard café and bar

 

 

metamatic: taf Athens

A daytime view of the café courtyard. I found this photo on the metamatic: taf blog. The gallery and performance spaces are contained in the two level structure that encloses the courtyard. The rickety building looks like it’s ready to crumble, but its dishevelled appearance enhances the courtyard’s ambience and atmosphere, thanks to the café’s subtle nighttime lighting.

 

Take home a Mykonos ‘sugar cube’ house!

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Mykonos house souvenirs

Wooden Mykonos houses handcrafted by artist Eugenia Triantopoulou are available at Triciclo Art Shop in Mykonos Town

 

Super souvenirs: Brilliant white “sugar cube” houses with blue doors and window shutters are often the first images that come to mind for many people when someone mentions travelling to Greece.

It’s no surprise, of course, since a substantial proportion of travel guides, posters and tour brochures for Greece feature photos of the cute whitewashed houses as well as white churches with gleaming blue domed roofs — even though that particular style of architecture is found primarily in the Cyclades islands (but also in some villages in the Dodecanese and in a few other parts of the country).

The sight of white cube-shaped buildings clinging to barren brown rock hillsides is one of the features that tourists enjoy most about Mykonos in particular, since it boasts an extensive array of traditional Cycladic architecture both in Mykonos Town (one of the prettiest villages in all of the Greek Islands) and elsewhere on the island.

Mykonos visitors can now take one of the cute “sugar cube” houses home with them as a souvenir.  Local artist Eugenia Triantopoulou has created a collection of charming hand-made wooden houses which are available from Triciclo Art Shop in Mykonos Town.

Triciclo offers a variety of other hand-made gift items from a number of local artists. The shop is located a short walk behind the Mykonos Town Hall at 3 Voinovits Street, which is the lane that leads from one of the most popular restaurants on the island, Niko’s Taverna, to Skandinavian Bar, one of the most famous party clubs in all of Greece.

There’s more information and photos — as well as a map showing how to find the gallery — on the Triciclo Art Shop Facebook page.

 

Sharply-dressed Dromeas stands tall in Athens

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Dromeas glass sculpture in Athens

Dromeas (“Runner” in English) is a 12-meter-tall glass and iron sculpture created in 1994 by Athens artist Costas Varotsos

 

Sharp Dresser:  Athens may be one of the world’s safest cities, but you won’t want to run into a big Greek guy named Dromeas while you’re there — he would literally tear you to pieces.

Standing 12 meters tall (nearly 30 feet), Dromeas cuts a dashing figure at Megalis tou Genous Sholi square near the Hilton Athens Hotel on Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.  Created by noted Athens sculptor Costas Varotsos in 1994, Dromeas originally stood at Omonia Square, but was moved when construction commenced on the underground metro station there. Concerns that shakes and vibrations from subway building activity could damage the sculpture prompted his relocation to a triangular public square close to the Canadian Embassy.

 

This is Athens photo of Dromeas sculpture in Athens

A photo of Dromeas and the Athens Hilton, shared on the Facebook community page This is Athens

 

Dromeas sculpture in Athens by artist Costas Varotsos

Dromeas is seen in a dramatic image that sculptor Costas Varotsos shared on @costasvarotsos, his official Instagram account

 

@imikov photo of Dromeas The Runner sculpture in Athens

This marvellous image of Dromeas was captured and shared on Instagram by photographer @imikov during the heavy snowfall that paralyzed Athens and many other parts of Greece on  January 24 2022

 

Lucas Kouloubis photo of Dromeas sculpture in Athens

Another amazing photo of Dromeas during the Elpis snowstorm, this time captured by photographer Lucas Kouloubis. The image was shared on @costasvarotsos, the official Instagram page for sculptor Costas Varotsos.

 

Associated Press photo of Dromeas sculpture in Athens

This Associated Press photo of Dromeas, shot after the Elpis snowstorm had subsided, was widely circulated on social media

 

 

 

Please turn to page 2 to view more photos of Dromeas.

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