Tears and hope: The bonds of art
Visions and Shackles: Allegories of Imprisonment in Modern Greek Art is the title of an original exhibition of works of art which explores the various themes around imprisonment, such as the idea of confinement. The exhibition, which is taking place at the Municipal Arts Center at the Eleftherias Park, showcases 60 important works of the 20th century, created by 40 Greek artists of different generations. It includes painters, engravers, sculptors – all of whom use a variety of techniques – such as Alexis Akrithakis, Spyros Vassileiou, Yiannis Gaitis, Achilleas Drougas, Opi Zouni, Christos Carras, Chronis Botsoglou, Dimitris Mytaras, Costas Tsoclis and Pavlos Samios. The works were spotted by staff members of the Archive of Modern Greek Art, and belong to various well- or lesser-known collections, and this is the first time they have been grouped together in one show. The artists offer their interpretation of confinement – a horrific experience in most cases – as national, political, or social, yet at the same time as a positive allegory that involves a higher vision. There are various scenes of bitterness, solitary confinement, criticism, optimism, tenderness and humor. The exhibition – which runs to January 2 – was curated by art critic Haris Kabouridis, who also conducted the historical research. Classical ballet returns to the Athens Concert Hall on December 25 (with additional performances on December 26, 28, 29, and 30) with the appearance of the young troops of the legendary Bolshoi Ballet Academy of Moscow. Training the Future Stars, is an event aiming at attracting new blood as a group of young dancers aged 11 to 16 (all members of the Bolshoi Ballet Academy) will take the stage to interpret classic pieces, such as La Fille Mal Gardee, among others. The Orchestra of Colors will be conducted by George Zhemchuzhin.
