Greek and Turkish artists unite in cultural exchange via show
Art is venturing down the labyrinthine path of political diplomacy and opening up new channels of dialogue between Greece and Turkey. The agenda for talks is set by a series of original works by 16 artists from the two countries, currently on display at the Macedonian Museum of Contemprary Art (MMCA) in Thessaloniki in an exhibition titled «Greece-Turkey, Meeting Point: Modern Art.» The motto for this event, according to MMCA Director Xanthippi Skarpia-Hoipel is: «’Yes’ to culture, ‘yes’ to art, ‘no’ to conflict.» It’s a timely message considering the developments around us. Social roles of women, religion, self-knowledge, as well as political exile are some of the social themes examined by artists from both countries, all drawn from modern reality. Put together by the Bonn Museum, the exhibition was organized by the cultural division of the firm Bayer Leverkusen in conjunction with art historian Inge Becker. It was first presented in Leverkusen before heading on for a show in Istanbul. Paintings, sculptures, installations and photos by Greek artists Michalis Arfaras, Andreas Vousouras, Theodolos Grigoriou, Angelos Papadimitriou, Lida Papaconstantinou, Rania Ragou, Costas Tsoklis, Yiannis Psychopedis, and their Turkish colleagues Serhat Kiraz, Husamettin Kocan, Ender Guzey, Murat Morova, Nazif Topcuoglu, Gulsun Karamustafa, Urfaglioglu and Adnan Coker reflect the particularities of both countries. Besides sociopolitical differences, these works maintain a unique cultural character. This exhibition could not have taken place without the support of the TinT gallery, the Macedonia-Thrace Ministry and various sponsors. Runs through December 9. IOTA MYRTSIOTI
