EXHIBITION ART-ATHINA
ATHENS
weekly
Not just another art fair! This sophisticated highlight of the Athenian art calendar from May 26-29 should not be missed. With 50 galleries from 13 different countries involved, Art-Athina at the Taekwondo Stadium in Faliro (Moraitini 2, Faliro), stands firm as Greece’s largest annual visual arts showcase– and one of Europe’s most established contemporary art expos. This year’s edition features a retrospective on artist George Lappas. Entry €8, Tel: 210.922.1254 art-athina.gr
Weekly supplement by Insider Publications • www.insider-publications.com • No 99 • Friday, May 13, 2016 music The Big Bang Festival
Theatre Death of a Salesman
Fancy a Night at the Museum? Or a day even? Enjoy free entry into Greece’s outstanding museums on May 18 as part of the International Museum Day 2016. To see the full programme of events, visit network.icom. museum/international-museum-day
Who says adults should have all the fun? Join in a musical programme of concerts and sound installations exclusively for young music fans. May 21-23, at the Onassis Culture Centre Syngrou 107-109, Tel: 210.900.5800, sgt.gr
Death of a Salesman is a fine example of Arthur Miller’s political realism and a timeless repudiation of the American Dream. At the National Theatre until June 29. Ag.Konstantinou 22 Tel: 210.528.8100, n-t.gr
INTERVIEW
Greek Artists are Heroes…
director would have been less tiring, more organized and I wouldn’t have had to orchestrate so many other things which at the end of the day obstruct me from my curatorial goal. But I have noticed that in the last few years, a lot has changed in the Greek art world, and despite my great tiredness, I am glad that I am here and that I have witnessed these changes. Because things happen painstakingly slowly in Greece, when you achieve something, you feel extra happy about it. And it’s worthwhile supporting the artists of this country.
How do Greek artists compare to others? There are great artists here. If they were living somewhere else, in a counNational Museum of Contemporary Art director Katerina Koskina talks exclusively to Stella try that supports and promotes them, Sevastopoulos about the well-documented struggles facing EMST - and that media furore they would have played a different over Jan Fabre. role on the international art scene. The National Museum of Contemporary elsewhere and no fuss was created So many generations of Greek artists Art (also known as EMST) has been in the about it. So why now? Suddenly it was have been lost. Greek artists are hemaking since 2000, when the museum’s offensive. I would say that a big part roes, because they have managed to site was allocated at the former Fix beer of Fabre’s work has been inspired by establish themselves all on their own. factory on Syngrou Avenue. By assuming ancient Greece and Greek mythology, That’s why it is so important for EMST the position of director in December 2014, and that he could have offered a lot to to open its doors to the public, and to Katerina Koskina was also taking on a the festival. After all, his work is meant provide Greek art with the internationmany-headed Hydra in terms of problems, to be provocative. But how can we al platform that it sorely needs. which have kept the museum’s doors Greeks be so shocked by it? Have we closed. Yet despite the many obstacles in forgotten our own mythology? Are we What have been the main obstacles you her path, she is devoted to her goal: to fi- really so puritan? have encountered since you took on the ponally see the museum open in 2016. sition of the museum’s director? Koskina is also one of the few Greeks Maybe we are not as contemporary as we Apart from the legal, technical, adminthat controversial artist Jan Fabre had an- would like to think we are? istrative and financial problems, there nounced a collaboration with, before he re- Maybe, however, I think the problem was also a psychological factor: The signed from the post of creative director of was how Fabre handled the situa- previous director of 14 years, Anna the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. tion at the press conference. Further- Kafetsi had offered a lot, so people more, if the Greek Festival and Cul- were initially wary of me. Then, a little ture Ministry had taken more time to after I arrived at the museum, the poDo you think that Fabre was a good choice better organize the press conference, litical situation changed in Greece. For for the position of creative director of the maybe things would have been differ- months problems came from the side Greek Festival? ent. Yet I also feel that some people of the Culture Ministry. Yet I’m a nonI think yes. He’s a multidimensional were just waiting to react. I like Fabre political person. I feel like I am a Euroartist with plenty of Festival experi- very much, and consider him a great pean citizen, although recently I have ence. Fabre is a world-famous person- artist and friend. I was involved in a started to question what it means to ality, whether we like it or not. He has project that had been announced (be- be a European today. a very radical creative oeuvre, which tween Antwerp’s MUHKA museum and you either love or loath. What annoyed Greece’s EMST, among other projects What is your vision for the museum? me however, was the way some of the we had discussed). But that doesn’t It’s a truly magical space of 20,000 Greek artists reacted after the press mean that there wouldn’t have been m2, a historical building with great conference. I believe the press confer- other collaborations with Greeks. I potential. However it needs the supence was not well prepared, but the know that he was working on that. port of the Greek and international art reaction from some people was very world. We need to finally see it in a aggressive. You have been involved in the Greek cultur- positive light. The museum’s non-comal scene and art world for around 28 years. pletion might reflect our shortcomings Fabre’s works were also criticized, such as What opinion have you formed? as a nation, but now, even during the Mount Olympus, the performance compris- I have never regretted deciding to work crisis, it is important that this work ing nude Syrtaki and Zeimbekiko dances. in Greece, although I had studied and is realized; it can offer so much to This work was performed in Thessa- worked in Paris too. No doubt work- Greece’s cultural scene. loniki at the Megaron Mousikis and ing in Paris as a curator or museum
CULTURE Free Museum Entry
ART & CULTURE
TV THIS WEEK YOU’RE THE WORST
A newly co-habitating Jimmy and Gretchen avoid a life of domesticity by partying non-stop. Edgar obsesses over Lindsay while an oblivious Lindsay makes a desperate attempt to reconcile with her husband. Friday @ 22.40 on Foxlife
GIRLS
Ai Weiwei is here! Artist, architect, writer, filmmaker and political activist, Ai Weiwei is one of the most riveting artists to emerge from China in recent times. His arresting installation of refugee’s life jackets wrapped around the columns of Berlin’s Koncerthaus recently grabbed headlines around the world. In 2011, the Beijing-born Ai Weiwei was incarcerated in 2011 for 81 days, for being openly critical of the Chinese Government’s stance on democracy and human rights – and many of his works explore the quality of human life in modern China.
Ai Weiwei will also unveil new works inspired by the permanent archeological collection of the Cycladic museum. This is art with a deeply human dimension. The Guardian newspaper described his recent London exhibition as a “rollercoaster of a show filled by surprises, shocks and tremors”.
A suicidal American befriends a Japanese man lost in a forest near Mt. Fuji and the two search for a way out. With Matthew McConaughey, Naomi Watts, Jordan Gavaris.
The man who knew infinity Growing up poor in Madras, India, Srinivasa Ramanujan Iyengar earns admittance to Cambridge University during WWI, where he becomes a pioneer in mathematical theories with the guidance of his professor, G.H. Hardy. With Dev Patel, Jeremy Irons, Malcolm Sinclair
CITY LIFE
Petite Fleur – Halandri The first Petite Fleur may have colonized Kolonaki back in 2001. But we must confess to preferring the atmosphere at the more spacious Halandri branch. Here, the vintage tunes and charming décor of this popular neighbourhood rendezvous will spirit you away to the romantic Paris of “belle époque”. Petite Fleur’s central locale (just behind Ag. Nikolaos church), lends itself perfectly to lingering at leisure over a French Kusmi tea, bio-coffee or dreamy homemade tart. Chocoholics will swoon over their Valhrona hot chocolates available in many decadent varieties.
WELLNESS
Time for tea? Photography Why? Children on the Move The plight of a young generation of refugees and migrants in search of safety and hope is the stirring theme of Why? Children on the Move by award-winning Bangladeshi photojournalist GMB Akash. The exhibition is on display until May 22 at Benaki Museum, 1 Koumbari & Vassilissis Sofias, Tel: 210.367.1000, benaki.gr
Slim for Summer, the Brazilian Way! When it comes to high-impact beach style, few of us could argue that Brazilian women often leave many lying in the shade. But this May, you too can enjoy a tried and tested Brazilian beauty ritual for getting “beach ready”. Orloff Spa at Astir Beach, Vouliagmeni and at the Life Gallery, Ekali is offering Insider readers a Brazilian Slimming Massage (25 minutes) for the special price of €40 instead of €60. This wonderfully-effective tonifying therapy is made with organic Phyto-tonic oil, a hydrating and firming dry oil which refreshes thanks to a delicious perfume of coffee, vanilla, tea and vetiver and will leave you looking summer-svelte … just like a Brazilian!
Syntagma Square, tel: 210.333.0000, www.grandebretagne.gr Call 210.896.0028 (Astir) or 211.106.7456 (Life Gallery) or visit www.orloffdayspa.gr
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Agios Nikolaos Sq. 2, tel: 210.681.4825, www.petite-fleur.gr
It’s fair to say that the much-loved Anglo-Saxon ritual of afternoon tea has never really been a “thing” here in Greece, land of the late lunch. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t some truly terrific tea rooms in Athens where one can indulge in this oh-so-British institution. Amanda Dardanis scouts her Fave Five.
Grande Bretagne Winter Garden The clue is in the name, dearies! High tea at GB is a cherished Athens institution. Once you’re sitting amongst all those potted palms and sumptuous tapestries in Grande Bretagne’s Winter Garden salon and drinking in that delightful British formality – you’ll feel like you’ve been beamed straight to Claridges or the Ritz - quicker than you can say, “Make Mine a Twinings”. Enjoy the royal treatment with GB’s impressive selection of teas from all over the world, served “just-so” in posh porcelain cups (they always seem to make you sit up straighter!). Select a dainty morsel like freshly-baked cupcakes to go with your reviving pot of chai. Personally, though, it always feels rude not to make a real occasion of it and indulge in the full English afternoon tea spread of scones, crabmeat, egg or cucumber sandwiches and other yummies (€30). If only for the fancy-pants silver stand it all comes laid out on. Served daily from 12-8pm.
To Tsai Located on a quiet Kolonaki street is this sleek dame that provides a more mellow Greek tea experience to a loyal fan base who come for the distinctive tea varieties, classic high-ceilings and
CINEMA THIS WEEK
the sea of trees
Now, Weiwei is to bring his talkingpoint art to Greece for the first time, in an eagerly-anticipated exhibition at the Museum of Cycladic Art from May 20 until October 30. The showcase has been designed to introduce Greek audiences to his moving and distinctive techniques, and will feature some of his most significant works, such as his large-scale installations and sculptures, many using reclaimed materials such as ancient pottery, wood from destroyed temples, marble and jade, uniting past and present; the old China and the new.
Gastronomy
1st Athens Street Food Festival What does Athens taste like? Find out at the 1st Athens Street Food Festival, from May 20-29, a celebration of the city’s most popular “street delicacies” and prized urban morsels from the world over. In the historic space of Old Amaxostasio, foodies can indulge in a feast of street gastronomy, amid a festive vibe with regFast Forward Festival 3 ular DJ sets and live concerts. Pireos and Artists from Amsterdam, Beirut, Brus- Ermou, Gazi, Tel: 210.963.6489 sels, Cape Town, Melbourne, Ramallah, Sheffield and Tel Aviv dissolve any sense of geographic and cultural borders at the 3rd Fast Forward Festival (FFF), from May 16-31, at the Onassis Cultural Center. This year’s event focuses on the thin line separating the powerful from the powerless and revolution from civil war.107-109 Syngrou, Tel: 210.900.5800, sgt.gr
Watch FOX Life on NOVA, OTE TV, CYTA
See Ai Weiwei at the Cycladic Museum of Art, Neofytou Douka 5, Vas. Sofias & Irodotou 1, from May 20 until October 30. Entry is €7. Tel: 210.722.8321 or visit www.cycladic.gr
UPCOMING EVENTS
Festival
Marnie micromanages her upstate wedding to Desi; Shoshanna is tasked with carrying out Marnie’s wishes; Fran has an awkward moment with Adam; a dejected Ray steps in to help Desi Friday @23.05 on Foxlife
elegant cool interior. Top tastes are To Tsai’s specialty iced-teas laced with gin and fruit, (one is never enough; two is too many!), and the seriously delicious house cheesecakes. To Tsai also hosts regular tea tastings, Chinese tea rituals and musical events. Alexandrou Soutsou 19, Kolonaki, Tel: 210.3388941, www.tea.gr
Paionia Herbs and Tea Room Escape the whizz and whirl of the outside world at this gracious Japanese-style tea room, housed in an old neo-classical building in the heart of touristic Thissio (one block from Apostolou Pavlou, the road that rings the Acropolis). Paionia (Peony) Tea House plies premium brews and blends of all kinds, Japanese and Chinese included. Sweet tooths won’t find satisfaction on a GB or To Tsai scale. While there are some organic sweets and healthy snacks on offer, Paionia is pretty much all about the tea. With its crisp soothing décor of white-on-wood, the beautiful Japanese tea accessories, and a very approachable owner, Paionia is like a tall drink of water on a muggy day: and the perfect place to take time out from your city explorations. Poulopoulou & Amphikteinos, Thissio, Tel: 210.341.0260, www.peonia.gr
Cake – Glyfada Like a 1950s Betty Crocker studio set come to life (if it weren’t for all the iPads), the quaint upstairs-downstairs Glyfada branch of Cake is surely one of the jolliest franchises in this successful American-style bakery and café chain. Cake was first opened by a pair of baking-mad siblings in 2004, in time for the Olympics. They wanted to create a new (at the time) flavour experience for Athenians – and one that echoed the kitchen they had grown up cooking in. The result? A supremely cheerful space with checker-tiled floors, wooden shelves heaving with recipe books, an abundance of home-made art on the walls – and a “stay all day” vibe. Sure, their tea is great… But let’s not kid ourselves. It’s just an excuse to get down and dirty with the good stuff. And by that we mean: Pumpkin pie, banoffee pie, carrot cake, chocolate lacta cake... Need we go on? A special shout out though has to go to our absolute favourite fix on the Cake menu: Red Velvet, Red Velvet … you had us at hello. Lazaraki, 20, tel: 210.968.1085, www.cake.gr