Ocean's Breath
The Herakleidon Museum is pleased to present the group exhibition entitled "Ocean's Breath" from November 23, 2023 to February 25, 2024, curated by Nina Fragopoulou, PhD., Marine Biologist. The exhibition features twelve contemporary artists whose works will be exhibited in two periods. The opening of the first part of the exhibition will take place on November 23, 19:00 – 21:30 and the second part on 10 January 2024, 19:00 - 21:30
Part 1: November 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Participating artists: Thalassini Douma, Eveline Kolijn, Ioannis Lassithiotakis, Aggeliki Loi & George Stamatakis
Part 2: January 10 to February 25, 2024
Participating artists: Theodora Vasiliadou, Maria Korompili, Christos Lazarakis, Yannis Makridis, Konstantinos Patsios, Spiridoula Politi & Virginia Philippousi
Theoretical text for the exhibition: Katerina Pizania, PhD., Sociologist of Art.
“The group exhibition entitled "Ocean's Breath", draws inspiration from the enormous importance of the ocean for the planet. The title refers to the oxygen that the ocean offers us since one of two breaths we take is mainly due to the photosynthetic activity of phytoplankton. It includes twelve artists who are inspired by the ocean to create contemporary works of painting, sculpture, photography and video that address issues such as the ocean’s color, which changes with the influence of various physical and biological factors, the oxygen it provides us with, marine biodiversity, overfishing, pollution, the threat posed by the climate crisis (melting ice, acidification) and the immense beauty and peace it can also offer us. Art meets marine science and each work, beyond its visual role, becomes a field of knowledge and reflection. The exhibition is accompanied by talks by distinguished scientists on ocean research and an educational program for school students. The aim of the exhibition--- through a constructive dialogue between art and marine science—is to bring the public closer to the issues related to ocean ecology and its protection.”
As reported by Katerina Pizania: “The Anthropocene era, our era, is defined as the epoch of human impact on ecosystems, including climate change in the planet. This discourse has challenged the traditional dichotomy between “human history” and “natural history” as an artificial one favouring the extractive capitalist system. Continued cross-disciplinary collaborations have expanded our understanding that we need to see humans, nonhumans, and inanimate objects alike as one among equals. On the other hand, the historical relationship between art and science has experienced a dramatic shift in emphasis during the last decade. Despite scientific advances in oceanography and the commitment of its practitioners to share their acquired knowledge, the public has remained apathetic to the scientific discourses: facts, and fact-based narratives have failed to engage the public. Enter the artists and their increased role in recent collaborations with science and scientists. Artists, being sensitive to processes and patterns in nature, being able to live with uncertainties on many levels, have succeeded in using art as a conduit to reveal climatic degradation and emotionally inspire the public to action.
The exhibition “Ocean’s breath” falls within the productive collaborations of art and science. Exploring the current ecological perspective, artists raise awareness about environmental issues by creating powerful images and objects that pay homage to the ocean, highlight the devastating effects of human impact, but also pointing towards nature’s capacity to self-heal. The works on display are a series of oceanographies - mirrors on which we can project/expose our feelings and thoughts on contemporary ecological issues".
LECTURES
Monday 27/11/2023, 19:00 – 20:30
How to talk about the sea
Angeliki Kosmopoulou, Executive Director at the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation
An Art and Science Perspective on Ocean Breathing
Eveline Kolijn, artist
Monday 29/1/2024, 19:00 – 20:30
Oceans and climate change
George Papatheodorou, Professor, Department of Geology – Dean of the Faculty of Science, University of Patras
Oceans: organisms and anthropogenic impacts
Vangelis Tzanatos, Assistant Professor, Department of Biology, University of Patras
HERAKLEIDON MUSEUM
37 Apostolou Pavlou str., 11851 Thissio-Athens, Greece
T: +302103461981, E: info@herakleidon.org
Opening hours of the exhibition: Wednesday to Friday 13:00-18:00,
Saturday & Sunday, 10:00-18:00, last entry: 17:15
The site is not accessible to people with reduced mobility
Entry to the exhibition is free
Exclusive Donor: Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation