MVP

Tag: contemporary art

  • Crossing Horizons: A Showcase of 16 Prominent Greek Artists in Nicosia

    Crossing Horizons: A Showcase of 16 Prominent Greek Artists in Nicosia

    Crossing Horizons features the works of sixteen renowned Greek artists in a remarkable exhibition at the Museum of Art and Design in Nicosia. This exhibition marks a significant first for Cyprus, bringing together notable pieces that have never been previously displayed in the country.

    Photo: financialmirror.com

    Crossing horizons: Opening Details and Venue

    The highly anticipated exhibition will open its doors on Friday, November 7, and will run until November 14, allowing visitors to experience the artistic flair from 6 to 9 pm daily. The entrance to the exhibition is free, providing an excellent opportunity for the public to engage with contemporary art.

    Collaboration with Skoufa Gallery

    This innovative exhibition is a collaboration between the Museum of Art and Design and the Skoufa Gallery from Athens. Maria Ignatiou Siakalli, owner of the Kivotos Luxury Lifestyle Concept, expressed her enthusiasm about the event, stating, “In the pop-up exhibition Crossing Horizons, 16 famous artists and 50 important and historic works of art are presented, selected in cooperation with Yiannis Kalligas from the private collection of the Skoufa Gallery.”

    Insights from the Curator

    Yorgos Taxiarchopoulos, the curator of the exhibition, provided insight into the title ‘Crossing Horizons’. He noted that the design of the exhibition space, created by Giulio Masciocchi of the Versace house, plays a crucial role in how the artworks interact with the audience. Taxiarchopoulos aims for the exhibition to encourage visitors to perceive art as both an emotional asset and a vital part of cultural heritage.

    Art as a Quality of Life Improvement

    Taxiarchopoulos emphasised the importance of art in enhancing the quality of life, stating, “The aim is for the public to understand that a work of art is an emotional asset and a valuable investment — an inseparable part of our cultural heritage which can and should shape the holistic experience of art.” This perspective on art as a transformative experience is a central theme of the exhibition.

    Featured Artists and Their Contributions

    The exhibition features an impressive roster of artists, including:

    • Stathis Alexopoulos
    • Spyros Vassiliou
    • Yiannis Gaitis
    • Yiannis Kottis
    • Thanasis Makris
    • Tasos Matzavinos
    • Panagiotis Beldekos
    • Kostas Parthenis
    • Vaggelis Rinas
    • Pavlos Samios
    • Antonis Skambavirias
    • Yiannis Tsarouchis
    • Praxiteles Tzanoulinos
    • Alekos Fassianos
    • Giorgos Chadoulis
    • Manolis Haros

    These artists represent a blend of contemporary and historical influences, showcasing works that have significantly impacted Greek and Cypriot art narratives.

    Importance of the Exhibition to Cyprus

    This group exhibition is particularly significant for Cyprus, as it introduces a fresh perspective on contemporary Greek art to the local audience. The collaboration between various cultural institutions highlights the collective effort to promote artistic dialogue and appreciation across borders.

    Engagement with the Art Community

    The event also aims to foster engagement within the art community, encouraging discussions about the role of art in society and its potential for cultural exchange. Visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in this unique artistic experience, which promises to resonate with both art aficionados and casual visitors alike.

    Visit and Contact Information

    For those interested in attending, the VIP opening will take place at 7 pm on the opening day. The Museum of Art and Design is located in Nicosia, and for any inquiries, individuals can reach out via phone at +357 99327755 or 96570430, or email maria@kivotoslifestyle.com and g_taksi@yahoo.com.

    As Crossing Horizons unfolds, it represents not only a celebration of artistic achievement but also a pivotal moment for cultural exchange between Greece and Cyprus.

  • MoAD Welcomes Italian and Greek Artists for Inaugural Exhibition

    MoAD Welcomes Italian and Greek Artists for Inaugural Exhibition

    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.

    Photo: financialmirror.com

    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.

    Photo: financialmirror.com

    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.