Some children helped to set up the sculptures in the yard, others wrote words and phrases on clay shells about installation, some helped to finish works that were in their final form in situ. The reason is the students of the College of Athens, who helped to present a beautiful retrospective exhibition by Alexandra Athanasiadis entitled “March to the City” and the event of the school’s first centenary. It was a wonderful experience to see up close how such a tribute is made, but the experience was even more helpful for the artist herself who had such support in preparation for the first time. She is waiting one way or another to start her ”assistants” the visual workshops, which are of course part of the exhibition.
President of the Board of Directors of the American Hellenic Education Foundation, Annika Papantoniou. [PANOULIS PHOTOGRAPHY]
The inauguration took place on October 30, in the presence of graduates and teachers as well as people from the world of art, who had the opportunity to see 35 works, sculptures and murals, in the forecourt and vestibule of the Theatre, as well as. in the spaces within the Library and Benakei Faculty, ie the busiest parts of the school.
This choice was not made by chance. Even a bare glance, a short passage, a peer comment on a visual creation has its own educational value. Something remains in the sight and in the soul. Annika Papantoniou, president of the board of directors of the Hellenic-American Educational Foundation, welcomed the guests at the opening, who emphasized the contribution of Alexandra Athanasiadis to the aesthetic education of students, also referring to the donation of her work to the College.
Spyros Pollis, on stage, talks about the College’s relationship with artistic creation. [PANOULIS PHOTOGRAPHY]
The Director/President, Professor Spyros Polllis, emphasized in his turn that the promotion of the arts is a cornerstone of the education provided by the College, which creates a living tradition that started from the time of Karolos Koon. In fact, in the future it will be strengthened with the soon to be created “D. Daskalopoulos Arts Building”, which will function as an art center open to the public through its exhibition spaces. The curator of the exhibition, Theofilos Trampoulis, explained that it seems that the horses, the chests, the memories and the writings are laid out in a procession that moves through the public space of the school. The installations of the “Playground” and the Dreamscape (which we had seen in the exhibition at the Zoumboulakis gallery two and a half years ago) give children another dimension. The whole layout was based on the idea that the audience will be the students, which emphasized the playful nature of Athanasiadis’ sculptures, paintings and installations. The artist herself thanked the children who accompanied her as she presented her work, speaking simply and honestly about what inspires her.
From left, Flora Kamhi, Lula Kertsikoff, Annika Papantoniou, Tatiana Pollali and Peggy Vezani. [PANOULIS PHOTOGRAPHY]
Few visual artists, however, have the gift, through their creativity, to communicate with all generations and touch the dearest sides of people. In the great retrospective she did in Andros, a few years ago, I saw with my own eyes how young, middle-aged and old people were moved in front of her horses and weapons. It is good art that can transform the truth, the pain, the joy into a pulse that unites everyone.
Some of Alexandra Athanasiadis’ works from the exhibition at the College. [Elisavet Apostolou]
How did students from the College of Athens contribute to Alexandra Athanasiadis’s exhibition “March to the City”?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Alexandra Athanasiadis, Artist
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Alexandra. Your recent exhibition “March to the City” at the College of Athens has garnered significant attention. Can you tell us what inspired the theme of this exhibition?
Alexandra Athanasiadis: Thank you for having me! The theme “March to the City” symbolizes a journey—not just physically, but also emotionally and artistically. It reflects how art can lead us into societal spaces, bridging personal experience with public engagement. I wanted to create a visual narrative that connects the audience with their environment and invites them to contemplate their role within it.
Time.news Editor: That’s a profound perspective. I found it fascinating that students from the College helped set up the sculptures and contributed to the exhibition. How did this collaboration come about, and what did you learn from the experience?
Alexandra Athanasiadis: Involving the students was vital for me. Their enthusiasm and fresh ideas added a layer of dynamism to the exhibition. We engaged them in various tasks—from setting up sculptures to writing on clay shells, which encouraged them to express their thoughts about art. It was a valuable learning experience, not just for them but for me as well. Their insights often inspired new ideas and directions for the exhibition.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like a truly interactive experience! During the inauguration, Annika Papantoniou emphasized the role of your work in the aesthetic education of students. How do you see your art influencing young minds?
Alexandra Athanasiadis: Art is an essential tool for education. It challenges perceptions, encourages critical thinking, and fosters creativity. My goal is to create spaces where students can explore visual storytelling and engage with concepts that resonate on a personal level. When students interact with art, they develop a deeper understanding of its history and significance, which nurtures not only their creativity but also their empathy towards different narratives.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the future establishment of the “D. Daskalopoulos Arts Building” at the College. Can you share what this will mean for the arts community there?
Alexandra Athanasiadis: Absolutely! This new arts building will serve as a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community engagement. It will host exhibitions, workshops, and artist talks, bringing together students, artists, and the public. The goal is to create an ongoing dialogue between artists and the community, providing a space where art is not just viewed but experienced and discussed. It’s an exciting step toward strengthening the arts within the educational curriculum.
Time.news Editor: That sounds amazing! as you look forward, what upcoming projects or themes are you excited to explore in your future work?
Alexandra Athanasiadis: I’m currently exploring themes of memory and identity. I believe there’s a rich tapestry of stories within each of us, shaped by our backgrounds and experiences. My upcoming projects will delve into how individual experiences can reflect larger cultural narratives. I also hope to involve more community collaboration, as I find these interactions profoundly enriching.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Alexandra. It’s clear that your approach to art not only enhances the aesthetic environment but also cultivates a deeper understanding of society among young people. We look forward to seeing how your future projects unfold!
Alexandra Athanasiadis: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing my work with you. I am excited about the journey ahead!