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In 2004, in the framework of the annual visual arts festival Action Field Kodra (then Artistically Directed by Christos Savvidis), we planned, in collaboration with a group of Greek artists living and working in Berlin, the exhibition "Berliner Zimmer". The artists who took part in that action were: Christina Dimitriadis –who actually was the godmother and coordinator of the project, Lila Polenaki, Yorgos Sapountzis, Vassiliea Stylianidou, Dimitris Tzamouranis and Evanthia Tsantila.
In 2010, the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art and Goethe-Institut started discussions on a common exhibition that would promote the bonds between Berlin and Southeastern Europe, taking into account the plethora of artists from the area, who live and work in the city. So, the initial idea behind 2004’s "Berliner Zimmer" is geographically expanded, in order to include –for starters– artists from nine countries of Southeastern Europe. Besides, since then, Berlin has not ceased being one of the most vibrant European cities of international outlook, as regards the artistic avant-gardes. Similarly, Southeastern Europe has for years now been the place of origin of significant, internationally established artists. A situation often imposed due to the widely known, relatively recent turbulences in the area, which caused the still obvious, varied consequences. The works shown in the exhibition echo the dialogue and the relation of the artists with their old and new home, the tension between past and present. This situation of constant transition between two worlds, this space in-between, essentially is a space of meeting and exchange, a “berliner zimmer”. Following Thessaloniki, the exhibition travels to various cities around Southeastern Europe, where it will evolve, possibly including new works and artists, in order to respond to the local circumstances. At the end of its journey, its various editions and the complete list of works and participating artists will have been documented in a periodical publication. Lydia Chatziiakovou, Christos Savvidis Directors, ArtBOX.gr Berliner Zimmer is a characteristic of the upper-class home in 19th - early 20th century Berlin. It is an elongated room which connects the front part of the house (that of the masters), to the side or back wing of the house (that of the servants). It is used as a space to entertain guests, as a living room or central room, but also as a passage to the other rooms of the house. Gradually, its use is transformed, “democratized” in a way, though preserving its quality as a meeting point for the house tenants. |
Thessaloniki
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