PRESENTATION: Tea Time II-Paris, Part II

“Tea Time II – Paris” is the second iteration of a thematic exhibition inspired by the cultural and symbolic resonance of “tea time”—a ritual that, while rooted in British tradition, has grown into a universal metaphor for pause, reflection, and connection. Originating in 19th-century Victorian England, tea time was more than a meal; it was a daily interlude for socialization, contemplation, and hospitality (Part I).

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: dreamideamachine Archive

Over time, the words “Tea Time” have come to represent moments of calm amidst the chaos of modern life—spaces where conversation, comfort, and community are nurtured. This exhibition adopts the idea of “tea time” as both a literal and poetic gesture, reimagined through contemporary art. Following its initial success in Athens in November 2024, “Tea Time” continues its conceptual and geographic journey with “Tea Time II – Paris”. The exhibition is part of an ongoing collaboration between dreamideamachine resident  and Desmos Gallery, which is housed within the historic Desmos Bookstore. This legendary space has long served as a cultural haven, particularly during the 1960s, ’70s, and ’80s, when it was a gathering point for the Greek diaspora and international intellectual community in Paris. The exhibition  “Tea Time II – Paris” brings together 25 Greek artists working across diverse media—including painting, drawing, digital printing, photography, and textile-based art. Through these varied forms, each artist presents a deeply personal yet collectively resonant narrative. Their works are composed of layered imagery, intimate memories, imagined dreams, subconscious desires, and vivid color palettes. Influences range widely: from literature and poetry to science fiction and the surreal inventiveness of childhood fantasy. The exhibition draws strength from its expanded roster of artists, many of whom participated in the workshop “Introduction to Contemporary Practices”. This initiative, hosted by dreamideamachine resident, served as both an educational platform and experimental lab—encouraging critical discourse and hands-on engagement with contemporary visual strategies. As a result, the exhibition embodies a dialogue not just among its artists, but between methods, generations, and artistic vocabularies. Crucially, “Tea Time II – Paris” arrives at a time when dystopian narratives dominate our cultural, political, and environmental landscapes. In response, the exhibition positions art as an antidote—an imaginative, generative force capable of challenging despair, creating space for resistance, and nurturing hope. It emphasizes the power of artistic creation as a form of radical pause: a tea time of sorts, in which viewers are invited to reflect, connect, and envision alternatives. More than just an exhibition, it  is a platform for exchange between Athens and Paris—between past and present, private reflection and public dialogue. It serves as a creative continuation of a long-standing intellectual relationship between the two cities, reaffirming art’s role in shaping the cultural conversations of our time.

Participating Artists: Marina Bobou, Eugeni Efstathiou, Annalina Fotopoulou, Eva Geraki, Leonidas Gkelos, Magda Kafetzopoulou, Giota Karvouniari, Giota Kotica, Dimitris Lempesis, Varvara Maltezou, Alexandros Maganiotis, Chaido Mouzaki, Anastasia Angelaki, Angelika Prappa, Sabina Qaja, Nelly Rizou, Kiki Stoubou, Chara Theodorou, Georgia Tseri, Drosia Tseri, Argiri Vassilakou, Kleio Vlachou, Vlachou Ioanna, Grigoria Vrittia, Maria Zugomala

Photo: Argyri Vasilakou, Tik tak – The Mythology of a Childish Heart, 2019, Monotype, Etching, 46×43 cm, © & Courtesy the artist

Info: Curator: Efi Michalarou, Galerie Desmos, 14 Rue Vandamme, Paris, France, Duration : 19-29/5/2025, Opening: 19/5 (Mon) 18:00-21:00, Days & Hours: Mon, Wed-Fri 12:00-19:00, Sat 12:00-15:00