The newly-established Museum of Art and Design (MoAD) will host its inaugural exhibition on Friday, October 17, showcasing the works of prominent Italian and Greek artists. This event marks a significant milestone in Cyprus’s cultural landscape, highlighting the museum’s commitment to becoming a premier destination for international contemporary art.
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Moad: Celebrating Artistic Talent
The exhibition will feature acclaimed creators Leonardo Blanco, an Italian mixed-media artist, and Greek painter Mara Tsafantaki. Both artists are known for their innovative approaches and have made substantial contributions to the contemporary art scene.
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Leonardo Blanco: A Multidisciplinary Visionary
Leonardo Blanco’s artistic practice encompasses painting, sculpture, and installation. His works are held in notable public and private collections around the globe, with permanent installations in places such as San Marino, Strasbourg at the Council of Europe, Nazareth at the Basilica of the Annunciation, and Beijing at the Water Cube Museum. In 2009, Blanco proudly represented the Republic of San Marino at the 53rd Venice Biennale of Visual Arts. He has also completed several prestigious public commissions, including a monumental steel sculpture located at the entrance to San Marino’s city centre.
Mara Tsafantaki: A Journey Through Illustration
Mara Tsafantaki, a graduate of the Athens School of Fine Arts, has garnered recognition for her work in both painting and illustration. Under the guidance of Professor Chronis Botsoglou, Tsafantaki honed her craft and has since showcased her artwork in various solo and group exhibitions across Greece and internationally. Since 2003, she has illustrated numerous children’s books published by leading Greek publishing houses such as Patakis and Papadopoulos. Notably, her illustration for “Little Leo and the Circusmicroworld,” authored by Kostas Charalas, was longlisted for the 2006 Greek State Illustration Awards and subsequently published in South Korea.
Engaging Talks and Diverse Perspectives
The opening event will also feature a keynote address by Italian designer Giulio Masciocchi, known for his refined aesthetic and multidisciplinary practice that spans concept and product design, interior design, and graphic communication. His contributions have significantly influenced the collections of esteemed Italian brands in fashion and design.
Masciocchi founded G.DISEGNI in 2016, a design studio dedicated to applied arts, working across various creative fields, including textile and porcelain design, product development, and fashion design. His work embodies a distinctive contemporary vision that resonates well with the themes explored in the exhibition.
Event Details and Public Engagement
The inaugural reception at MoAD will take place on Friday, October 17, from 6 to 9 PM, followed by public viewing sessions on Saturday and Sunday, October 18-19, from 5 to 8 PM. This exhibition not only showcases the talent of Blanco and Tsafantaki but also represents a broader commitment to fostering dialogue among diverse artistic communities.
Maria Ignatiou Shiakalli, the founder and Artistic Director of MoAD, expressed her enthusiasm: “This inaugural exhibition represents our commitment to bringing world-class contemporary art to Cyprus while fostering dialogue among international artistic communities.” She emphasised the importance of the event in promoting cultural exchange and engagement through art.
Exploring Cross-Cultural Narratives
The works of Tsafantaki and Blanco are chosen for their ability to engage with global cultural narratives. Their presentations promise to invite visitors into a compelling exploration of cross-cultural expression. Shiakalli noted, “Selected for their innovative approaches and universal themes, Tsafantaki and Blanco will present new series that reflect distinct cultural perspectives.” This aspect of their work aligns with MoAD’s mission to become a leading platform for contemporary art.
A Vision for the Future
Maria Ignatiou Shiakalli has been actively involved in art education, curation, and philanthropy for two decades, working on prestigious international projects. Recently, she was appointed as the exclusive art consultant for Reem Mall in Abu Dhabi, contributing her expertise to one of the UAE’s ambitious architectural projects. In 2023, she was selected to create the monumental artwork Falcon’s Flight, symbolising the emirates’ vision for the future.
Yorgos Taxiarchopoulos, serving as Chief Curatorial Strategist at MoAD, aims to bring institutional credibility and global network expertise to the museum. He is also the Artistic Director of the Limassol Municipal Arts Centre and the founder of ACEY Europe, a non-profit entity focused on arts and culture in Greece.
A Cultural Landmark in Nicosia
The Museum of Art and Design is conveniently located at 37 Demostheni Severi Street, near the Foreign Ministry and the Presidential Palace in Nicosia. For more information about the inaugural exhibition and future events, interested parties are encouraged to call +35722011349.
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