g magazine, volume 19 - B&E Goulandris Foundation

1

MARCH -APRIL 2017 The bimonthly electronic journal of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation

Cover: Nikos Engonopoulos, Divine Couple, 1938 Ink and watercolor on paper

EDITORIAL TEAM

Georgia Alevizaki, Paraskevi Gerolymatou, Andreas Georgiadis, Maria Koutsomallis, Alexandra Papakostopoulou, Kleio Panourgias Designed and edited by

Τ + 30 210 - 72 52 896 www.moca-andros.gr | www.goulandris.gr

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

6

P R E S E N TAT I O N O F T E M P O R A R Y E X H I B I T I O N

6

INTERVIEW

16

EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT

22

I N T E R N AT I O N A L L I S T I N G S / C U LT U R E

24

By Kyriakos Koutsomallis, Director of the Basil and Elise Goulandris Foundation

Nikos Engonopoulos, with the colours of word and the word of colours

with the founder of the IANOS Cultural Chain, Mr Nikos Karatzas

For the summer of 2018

A list of major art shows around the world

4

IN PLACE OF A PROLOGUE

In the 19th edition of our electronic publication it is our great joy to present a very interesting interview with Nikos Karatzas – President and CEO of the Ianos Cultural Chain.

Ianos, the well-known, multidimensional, intellectual landmark and a living cultural centre offers people of the arts and literature a welcome space and the opportunity to communicate and share their intellectual creation with the public.

Nikos Karatzas, a sensitive literary connoisseur presents the difficulties but also the intensely interesting and exciting relationship and interpersonal, spiritual connection between recipient and creator.

This is also an opportunity to announce our summer exhibition which is dedicated to the poet and painter Nikos Engonopoulos. The uncompromising, courageous, unpredictable rebel, who with tenacity and courage forced the subversions that characterize the surrealist movement, even in its milder Greek version. Over one hundred works in seven thematic sections and selected poems will highlight the imaginative inventiveness, the unfamiliar and the paradox of the new, other interpretation of the images of the world which while initially derided, disapproved and rejected, were later praised and strongly supported, highlighting Engonopoulos as the leading pioneer of the Greek surrealist movement.

Kyriakos Koutsomallis Director

5

6

EXHIBITION MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, ANDROS

NIKOS ENGONOPOULOS WITH THE COLOURS OF WORD AND THE WORD OF COLOURS

25 JUNE – 1 OCTOBER 2017 The Museum of Contemporary Art of the Basil and Elize Goulandris Foundation is preparing a tribute to the distinguished poet and painter Nikos Engonopoulos for the summer of 2017.

The word of the poet and the act of the painter, as a unified, uninterrupted entity form the axis of the artistic ingenuity of the renowned painter and poet.

110 artworks and selected poems will highlight the poetic sensitivity and innate aesthetic vision which, in collaborative sequence, created the impressive ιn both size and originality artistic and literary outcome which distinguished him as the leading champion of the Greek surrealist movement.

Engonopoulos’ life merged into his art which he considered the elixir that honours and perpetuates life. It offers the meaning and substance which calms the existential anguish of the end. "The discontinuous event of living”.

The unfamiliar and the paradoxical, and illogical vagary are recorded in order to produce his inimitable artistic elegy using the colours of the word and the

7

words of colour. The horse and the incongruous continue on from the flame of the passion of creativity in order to give shape and formal entity to experiences, fears, anxieties, impulses and temperamental outbursts and rampages, and all that describes the tragedy defined by the fate of the artist.

With imaginative inventiveness, with inspired skill

and

competence

scholarship, and

with

fortitude

he

intellectual exceeded

conventional limitations and commitments and with the freedom encouraged by the surrealistic dialectic, style and ethos surrendered himself to the quest for innovative expressive shapes, forms and representations with tireless zeal and irrepressible creative impulse.

Every artistic component is supported by wellreferenced texts which were written by people with in-depth knowledge of this work and are contained in the accompanying, bilingual 290page catalogue which also contains all 110 works and will be published by Mikri Arktos.

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

INTERVIEW WITH THE FOUNDER OF THE IANOS CULTURAL CHAIN

N I KO S K A R AT Z A S

Those who, over recent years, predicted the death of the book, of literature, of poetry, I think have been miserably contradicted.

Six large stores, a publishing house, an e-shop, a digital radio station, the ArtShop, the Art Gallery, the recently established IANOS kids, comprise the business identity of Ianos. What are the elements that compose its aesthetic identity?

Greek intellectual creativity as this has been expressed recurrently in the areas of publishing, music, the visual and other arts, was always at the centre of Ianos’ aesthetic identity. We offered Greek artists the time and space to communicate their work to the public and promote contemporary artistic activity in a direct and liberated manner free of tired conventions; we also created new frameworks for artistic expression and broke down the barriers that confined the breadth and dynamism of the arts. We established our uniqueness in perpetual dialogue with the Greek creative and artistic scene and this discussion resulted in its distinct, lucid and absolutely original character.

17

You have had your finger on the pulse of publishing for years. What, in your opinion, would be the three (or more) non-negotiable policies-cultural directions and initiatives the state should undertake and would have a catalytic impact on the advancement of the role of books in society today?

We need the immediate formulation of a national strategy, a national plan on publishing issues, especially at this time when the financial crisis is injuring every culturally-oriented activity. Publishing has been left helpless throughout the Crisis period. The reintroduction of the fixed book price would be a salutary measure which has not yet been adopted by the State. I understand neither the reason for the political inactivity displayed nor the cause of the indifference on behalf of our political leadership on this issue. It impacts on publishers and booksellers but, more directly, on the public since it would protect the robustness of the book market.

The re-opening of the National Book Centre (EKEBI) as the national body for publishing would also function as a facilitator for the coordination of actions for the dissemination and protection of reading. The issue of libraries is also important and full of thorns. Just think, school libraries have stopped operating‌

18

INTERVIEW

Greek intellectual creativity as this has been expressed recurrently in the areas of publishing, music, the visual and other arts, was always at the centre of Ianos’ aesthetic identity

How would you describe book production in Greece during this time of crisis? Has the reduction of this production also brought about a decrease in its aesthetic value?

Business involvement in publishing has always been a highrisk investment. These days, it is a heroic action since all the relevant indexes are negative. The production of new titles has become very difficult. There is a reduction in book production and an inability to support publishers’ catalogues.

Despite all this, the perseverance of the people involved in all aspects of book publishing remains remarkable and the public supports these with conscious dedication. I don’t think the aesthetic value of books can be reduced but their strength and dynamism can be damaged. We must also take into account that the Crisis experienced by the publishing sector is concurrent with the great digital revolution.

Book-lovers often reminisce about the time when the relationship between bookseller and reader was an interpersonal intellectual exchange rather than an act of pure, active retailing. What is (are) the factor(s) that have altered this magical relationship?

Let us not forget that everything has changed over the past decades: peoples’, and consequently readers’, available time, our sources and modes of communication, the massive volume of information and its breakneck increase, our very intellectual life and its demands. How much time do readers have these days to spend in libraries or at the shelves of a bookshop and, subsequently maintain what you describe as the “interpersonal intellectual exchange” between them and their bookseller? The question always is to be able to create islets of stability within the changes taking place in time in order to be able to support and assist the survival and reproduction of cultural activities that are worth carrying over to the next generations. One of these is the relationship between the knowledgeable bookseller/guide to the world of books and the discerning reader. We try. It would however be great if there was a School that could train future bookshop staff to respond adequately and in an organized manner to the requirements of tomorrow's readers.

19

If move into an era where books are no longer needed, the creature living within it will something other than what we have known so far. Perhaps it will be the so-called metahuman.

The children’s book sector has been very active and attracted a lot of interest over recent years.

Despite much being done in this field, statistics reveal that we are not producing young readers.

Where and why is the thread being lost?

There is no stable policy and this is the result of the lack of a national strategy in this segment as well.

In order for books to compete against new digital media, the State must find ways for these two worlds to coexist at every point of their concurrence – at school, in neighbourhoods, at home – so that youngsters can absorb the advantages of each world separately and both together where possible. This happens very successfully in the rest of Europe. In our case, book matters have been left to their own devices to the point where even seriously lacking School Libraries are no longer operating. We have left books unassisted to compete against the new digital world in which billions are being invested for advertising and promotion purposes. We must understand that in this way we are producing culturally illiterate young citizens. Shallow and void not only of knowledge and critical thought but also of imagination.

20

INTERVIEW

The IANOS venture conveys two dominant emotions: optimism and faith in the world of books and cultural products in general. Where does this “positive aura” stem from and where is it looking to at such difficult times? Let’s talk a bit about the future…

Those who, over recent years, predicted the death of the book, of literature, of poetry, I think have been miserably contradicted. Books are not simply products that can be replaced by something else. They are a human creation and expression. They are a world that addresses a fundamental human need; the birth and function of human imagination and critical thought. It is very difficult for these two elements to be abolished and humans to remain thinking creatures and useful citizens. If move into an era where books are no longer needed, the creature living within it will something other than what we have known so far.

Perhaps it will be the so-called metahuman. Maybe something else. Even then, I like to believe, there will be “old world” people who will talk to each other and their secret sign will be the book. Think of “Fahrenheit 451”, Rey Bradbury’s historic novel.

21

22

EXHIBITION ANNOUNCEMENT MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, ANDROS

DIMITRIS MYTARAS

The Museum of Contemporary Art of the Basil and Elize Goulandris Foundation has decided to honour the important Greek painter Dimitris Mytaras, who died recently, with an extensive tribute to his artistic career. The exhibition will take place in the summer of 2018, at the Museum of Contemporary Art on Andros.

23

INTERNATIONAL LISTINGS / CULTURE

LONDON

TATE BRITAIN: DAVID HOCKNEY

On occasion of his forthcoming 80th birthday, David Hockney, one of the most famous and inspired British artists of the 20th century, continues to experiment with new technologies and articulate his style and mode of expression.

Duration of exhibition until 29/05/2017 www.tate.org.uk

LONDON

THE NATIONAL GALLERY: MICHELANGELO & SEBASTIANO

The motivation for this exhibition was the important friendship and artistic relationship between these two Renaissance painters.

The juxtaposition of works, drawings, sculptures and correspondence highlights their relationship and illustrates the influences on each other’s work.

Duration of exhibition until 25/06/2017 www.nationalgallery.org.uk

LONDON

TATE MODERN ALBERTO GIACOMETTI

Retrospective exhibition of the great artist in collaboration with the Alberto & Annette Giacometti Foundation in Paris. It includes over 250 works, drawings and sketches which have not been exhibited before, spanning his entire career.

Duration of exhibition: 10/05 up to 10/09/2017 www.tate.org.uk

24

PA R I S

CENTRE POMPIDOU: JOSEPH KOUDELKA - LA FABRIQUE D'EXILS

In 2016, Josef Koudelka decided to present all 75 photographs of the Exils (Exiles) series alongside a series of unpublished photographs that were printed exclusively for this exhibition.

Duration of exhibition until 22/05/2017 www.centrepompidou.fr

PA R I S

MUSÉE JACQUEMART-ANDRÉ FROM ZURBARÁN TO ROTHKO

PA R I S

MUSÉE D’ORSAY: BEYOND THE STARS. THE MYSTICAL LANDSCAPE

The exhibition presents the collection of Spanish collector Alicia Koplowitz which includes several masterpieces by worldrenowned artists. Works by Zurbarán, Tiepolo, Canaletto, Guardi and Goya alongside paintings and drawings by Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Picasso, Van Dongen, Modigliani, Schiele, de Staël, Freud, Rothko and sculptures by Giacometti, Bourgeois and Richier.

FROM MONET TO KANDINSKY The exhibition focuses on the mystical experience which inspired the symbolist artist of the 19th century and was expressed brilliantly in their landscape paintings.

MILAN

PA R I S

Duration of exhibition until 14/06/2017 www.musee-orsay.fr

Duration of exhibition until 10/07/2017 www.musee-jacquemart-andre.com

PALAZZO REALE: MANET AND MODERN PARIS

This exhibition focused on a few small masterpieces by Manet from the collections of the Musée d' Orsay, illustrating the artist’s attitude towards the changes that took place in Paris between 1850 and 1880 when the city was gradually transforming into the “Capital of Capitals”.

Duration of exhibition until 02/07/2017 www.palazzorealemilano.it

GRAND PALAIS: RODIN

Nn exhibition which reveals Rodin’s creative universe, his relationship with his audience and the ways in which sculptors have been influence by his style.

Over 200 works are on display, including sculptures and drawings Bourdelle, Brancusi, Picasso, Matisse, Giacometti, Beuys, Baselitz and Gormley.

Duration of exhibition until 31/07/2017 www.grandpalais.fr

25

INTERNATIONAL LISTINGS / CULTURE

GENOVA

PALAZZO DUCALE: MODIGLIANI

Through thirty paintings, this exhibition highlights the genius and talent of Modigliani which were not recognised until after his death. Works that permeate the atmosphere of Paris at the beginning of the 20th century and which have been loaned from public and private museums and collections.

GENOVA

PALAZZO DUCALE: HENRI CARTIER-BRESSON | FOTOGRAFO

This exhibition comprises 140 photographic moments through which the visitor is guided around the strange coded world of each of the artist’s images.

Duration of exhibition until 11/06/2017 www.palazzoducale.genova.it

Duration of exhibition until 16/07/2017 www.palazzoducale.genova.it

SWITZERLAND

FONDATION BEYELER: MONET

To mark twenty years since its establishment, the Foundation is presenting an exhibition dedicated to one of the most important artists: Claude Monet. The exhibition is a celebration of light and colour which presents the artistic evolution of the French Impressionist painter.

Duration of exhibition until 28/05/2017 www.fondationbeyeler.ch

26

J A PA N

POLA MUSEUM OF ART: PICASSO AND CHAGALL

Both these artists created a personal artistic style in avant-garde Paris at the beginning of the 20th century and both had been influenced by changes in their countries between the two World Wars.

The exhibition presents about 80 works, mainly paintings, in an exploration of the creative trajectories of these two artists.

Duration of exhibition until 24/09/2016 www.polamuseum.or.jp

MONTREAL

MONTREAL MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS CHAGALL: COLOUR AND MUSIC

The biggest ever exhibition devoted to Marc Chagall (1887-1985) in Canada. Over 340 works alongside a great variety of documents, films, photographic material and music excerpts.

Duration of exhibition until 11/06/2017 www.mbam.qc.ca

NEW YORK

S. R. GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM JACKSON POLLOCK: EXPLORING ALCHEMY An exhibition with a very different approach to Pollock’s post-war works through the microscope of art work conservationists.

Duration of exhibition until 06/09/2017 www.guggenheim.org

SAN FRANSISCO

S T. P E T E R S B U R G

40 works by Matisse (1869-1954) and 60 works by Diebenkorn (1922-1993) narrate the connection and deep influence of Matisse on Diebenkorn’s work on matters of subject, style, colour and technique.

The exhibition is dedicated to her artistic career and life. It is an exploration of her exciting psyche through her works.

It comprises 60 works with references to Frida Kahlo; 15 paintings, 7 drawings and numerous personal photographs.

SAN FRANSISCO MUSEUM OF MODERN ART MATISSE / DIEBENKORN

Duration of exhibition until 29/05/2017 www.sfmoma.org

THE DALI MUSEUM FRIDA KAHLO

Duration of exhibition until 17/04/2017 www.thedali.org

27

visit our official page in facebook

B E Goulandris Foundation Ίδρυμα Β Ε Γουλανδρή 28