Page 51 - ANDRONIS magazine #1

exPlore AndroniS - SAntorini

Art Stories artwork inspired by sea life
Yorgos Kypris’ extensive

befits Santorini so much

that the pieces have become
local icons.

it is No accideNt that Santorini is known as the island of
artists. Inspired by the island’s inimitable personality and its
magic landscape, visual creators, acclaimed photographers,
innovative painters and all sorts of artisans define a local
art scene that is vibrant and continues to be enriched by
new arrivals. Established in 1990 in Fira by internationally
acclaimed artist Yorgos Kypris, leading art gallery MATI
was perhaps the pioneer in the field. MATI promotes
contemporary Greek art and currently has on display Yorgos
Kypris extensive artwork inspired by sea life. His art befits
Santorini so much that the pieces have become local icons.
Leaving Fira and moving on to eclectic Oia, the Oia Treasures
gallery takes our breath away with its wonderful interior. This
is the domain of high art, featuring inspired collaborations
and ground-breaking artists who have received international
awards and distinctions. This season, it’s the Sonic Sculpture
Irini exhibition that stands out, by Aggelika Korovessi.
Although not a linguist, the artist has sensed the power of the
vibrations of Greek words and transformed them into her own
sculptural vocabulary. Despite her works being quite complex,
they maintain a directness and simplicity in carrying their
message across. Also in Oia is Mnemosyne Gallery, a unique
space dedicated to fine art photography and minimalistic
hand-made jewellery. Documenting Iraq under embargo
mainly in Baghdad and Basra, Andrea Motta’s photographs
are on display in Mnemosyne Gallery this summer. “Iraq After
the Storm” received the Best of Photojournalism award at PND
Photo Annual 2000, and the Director’s Award in the Project
Competition at the Santa Fe School of Visual Arts, also in
2000. But artistic innovation doesn’t stop there. In Messaria’s
SMAG – Spira Marble Art Gallery – Grigoris Kouskouris,
who hails from Tinos island, has set up an interesting space.
The entire island of Santorini has become a creative He’s a dynamic artist whose explosive take on Tinos’ marble
neighbourhood of distinctive character. Both old and new, sculpting tradition has resulted in artwork that has left its Andrea Motta’s photograph at the Mnemosyne
mark ever since he chose Santorini as the permanent home
excellent art galleries leave their mark on Santorini life for his art and himself. All in all, this collection of interesting Gallery in Oia (top) and Sonic Sculpture Irini by
Aggelika Korovessi at OiaTreasures (bottom).
artwork and the driven people who showcase it is an attraction
with interesting exhibitions and events. for art lovers to visit Santorini. • Left page: Grigoris Kouskouris (top) and artwork
by Yorgos Kypris (bottom).

48 49