JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2024

Art Exhibition: "by way of"

The exhibition “by way of,” curated by the Eliopoulos Museum, links the diverse art of PAVLOS, Martha Dimitropoulou, Dionisis Christofilogiannis, and Ilias Christopoulos, all artists originating from the region of Messinia, Greece. The exhibition explores a common theme: the transformative power of art to transcend physical, temporal, and conceptual boundaries. Each artist’s distinct approach to their medium invites viewers on a journey through form and material, delving into concepts of transcendence, evolution, and the cyclical nature of existence and creativity.

“By way of” means journey and passage, a route taken by the artists in their creative process that is as significant as the destination. It underscores art as a medium of transformation and transition, a conduit through which ideas and materials are not just displayed but are profoundly altered, guiding the viewer through various states of understanding and perception.

Open to the public with free entrance, the exhibition’s artworks are spread across four different locations at Navarino Agora, inviting people to walk through and experience the pieces in a dynamic and engaging manner.

PAVLOS (PAVLOS DIONYSOPOULOS)

Known for his innovative use of recycled materials, PAVLOS’s work breaks the conventional molds of sculpture and painting. His art is not just about recycling but represents a transformation of everyday materials into thought-provoking pieces that challenge and redefine artistic creation itself. His pieces, often made from shredded poster paper, bridge gaps between the ephemeral and the eternal, highlighting the evolution of cultural and material consumption.

MARTHA DIMITROPOULOU

In her installation “TεFRα,” Dimitropoulou delves into the Zen notion of attachment and desire as sources of suffering. Her hundreds of hermetically sealed urns, made from pine needles, symbolize the containment of thoughts and desires, suggesting a path to tranquility through the acceptance of impermanence and decay. Her work presents a meditation on the material and the ephemeral, urging viewers to confront the cycles of life and nature.

DIONISIS CHRISTOFILOGIANNIS

The installation “Childhood Dreams in Marble”, depicting watermelons, serves as an emotional link between the artist’s childhood memories and the historical surroundings of Navarino. The juxtaposition of the contemporary artwork with the historical context creates a dialogue between the artist’s childhood and their present, highlighting the transformative power of art. Visitors are encouraged to reminisce about their own childhood memories. The artwork serves as a shared symbol of nostalgia and the enduring significance of our early experiences. It invites people to reconnect with their own pasts while admiring the incredible talent and creativity of the artist, who has, through their work, woven a bridge between the past and the present.

ILIAS CHRISTOPOULOS

Through “Vertebrae,” Christopoulos explores the human anatomy, specifically the spine, as a metaphor for the foundational aspects of life and thought. His ceramic pieces reflect on the structure, balance, and movement inherent in the human form and, by extension, in the human condition. This work complements the overall theme by considering the interconnectivity of biological and artistic creation.