“Flag of Greece: One Symbol - 200 Objects”

Marking the landmark 200th anniversary of Greece’s independence, the “Flag of Greece: One Symbol – 200 Objects” exhibition opens first on the island of Santorini for its inaugural exhibition.

Often referred to as the “blue and white” or the “sky blue and white”, Greece’s national flag was officially adopted by the country’s first national assembly in 1822 in Epidavros, following the beginning of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans beginning in 1821 and represents Greece’s 200th anniversary of independence (1821-1921). The Greek non-profit organization ‘Flag of Greece’ is celebrating this landmark national anniversary with its first round of exhibitions showcasing 200 objects from its collection, the very first one taking place on Santorini.

The exhibition showcasing objects that have never been viewed by the general public, investigates historical, cultural and artistic references through audio and

Flag of Greece, linen, mid 20th century

visual mediums. These will include original posters, placards, magazines and postcards created by unknown creators from the World War I period, interwar period toys, collectible commemorative stamp editions, as well as pins and medals spanning the last century, all the way through to contemporary paintings, ceramics and photography, as well as sculptures by modern artists.

Just some of the creators whose work will be showcased include works by Pavlos, Tsarouchis, Micha, Antzaklis, Koukoulaki, Nikaki, Dimitris the Athensand Morali, as well as objects created by companies such as Cartier, Omega, Corum, Jaeger LeCoultre, Swatch and Superga.

The exhibition which promises a commemorative journey in Greek history focusing on artistic expression influenced by the blue and blue and white of the national flag, will be on display from the 1st of August through to the 30th of September, at the Gallery Marinera, located in the island’s capital Thira.

More about the ‘Flag of Greece’

The organisation’s mission is to research and safeguard art, collectibles and historical documents related to the Greek flag. While the audiovisual exhibition “Flag of Greece: One Symbol - 200 Objects” will be non-profit in nature, visitors can purchase items from the small shop that will operate alongside the exhibition, the proceeds of which will be used exclusively for charitable - cultural purposes to support ‘Flag of Greece’ initiatives, namely promoting the Greek Flag as a symbol of Greek identity, separated from any nationalist correlation that promotes racial discrimination, dominant models or the exclusion of members of society.

“Flag of Greece: One Symbol – 200 Objects” exhibition – 1st of August through to the 30th of September Address: Gallery Marinera: Ipantis, Thira, 84700, Santorini For more information: contact@flagofgreece.gr Press Inquiries: Eleni Nikoloulia, elenik2006@gmail.com www.flagofgreece.gr Facebook Page: Flag of Greece Instagram Page: flagofgreece •

Christos Panagiotopoulos, Best of Miniature Award, Cretan patriot Spyros Kayiales, 2017. After the destruction of the Greek flagpole during the battle of Chania in 1897, Cretan Patriot Spyros Kayiales ignored every sense of danger, stood up and raised his body as a flagpole replacing the actual pole. Below, collection of Pocket Watches, engraving of Greek flags, silver and gold, 19th-20th century