ART ISLANDS:Poros-Aspects of Memory

Memory is the sum total of what we remember, and gives us the capability to learn and adapt from previous experiences as well as to build relationships. It is the ability to remember past experiences, and the power or process of recalling to mind previously learned facts, experiences, impressions, skills and habits. It is the store of things learned and retained from our activity or experience, as evidenced by modification of structure or behaviour, or by recall and recognition.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Citronne Gallery Archive

The exhibition “Aspects of Memory” at Citronne Gallery in Poros is the second exhibition this summer that the Gallery explores the theme of memory on presentation works by Yannis Adamakos, Tassos Mantzavinos, Angelos Papadimitriou and Yannis Psychopedis, every artist explores a different thematic axis of memory. Starting from his first solo exhibition (1978) in Athens and mainly after 1980 Yannis Adamakos presents his work in contiguous thematic series, Standing in the red thin line between reality and dream the works of Adamakos are based in the optical memory, he is not interest to present a particular landscape but througha bstraction creates a climate that reflects a collective subconscious that is instantly recognized by the visitor. Tassos Mantzavinos presents four works around Emotive Memory that he perceives and manages as personal property, he does not distinguish memory, experience, myth, history or tradition.  The central point in his works that are on show is the Clock Tower in Port of Piraeus is. The building was founded in 1869 to house the stock market of the city. In the tower of the building, the then Mayor, Dimitrios Moutzopoulos, placed the “Clock of the City” at his own expenses, the Clock Tower has been the symbol of the city for nearly a century, the monument was demolished in 1968, ordered by the junta appointed Mayor Aristides Skilitsis. In all the works the Clock Tower shows 6:15, bordering the passage from day to night, from conscious to subconscious or vice versa. In his multimedia installation “The Garden”, Angelos Papadimitriou, shows a personal perception of memory. The work combine thematic and morphicl elements from various periods of the past, in which personal experiences are established. The artist explores the archetypal and historical concept of garden-paradise. As a space-symbol of blessedness and tranquility, the garden is found in almost all religions and in all forms of art. Memory is the stepping stone for Yannis Psychopedis oeuvre. In the exhibition are on presentation three works from different series, “The Letter that didn’t Arrive” (2001-2002), “Archaic Memory” (2002) and “Fragmented Memory” (2005), these works are dominated by political references and the social reflection for the artist, these are the key components for describing and understanding the Greek historical and cultural identity.

Info: Citronne Gallery, Papadopoulos Avenue, Poros Island, Duration: 21/7-30/9/18, Daily 11:00-13:00 & 19:00-23:00, www.citronne.com