SPACE BETWEEN
AN ART INSTALLATION BRIDGING TWO ERAS
The art installation on the construction hoarding embodies the transition between the destination’s glorious past and very exciting future. It is a “space between” two eras. A space where Togetherness, Aesthetics and Discovery encapsulate the essence of Τhe Ilisian. Under the artistic direction of the internationally acclaimed cinematographer and film director Phedon Papamichael, in collaboration with Associate Professor of the Athens School of Fine Arts, Poka Yio, along with students from the Athens School of Fine Arts, as well as Athenian street artists, The Ilisian aspires to build an artistic bridge between the legacy of a modern city landmark and the ever-evolving spirit of Authentic Modern Athens.
PHEDON PAPAMICHAEL
Phedon Papamichael, Creative Director of “Space Between”, is a two-time Academy Award and BAFTA nominated cinematographer and independent film director. As a child, he lived in the Ilisia neighborhood. After starting out as a photojournalist, he quickly rose to prominence in New York City and then Los Angeles, where he honed his skills as a director, screenwriter, and cinematographer. His work has been critically acclaimed, with five Best Picture Academy Award nominations among the impressive list of over fifty feature films he’s contributed to. He has also directed six independent feature films and the award-winning short film, A Beautiful Day.
AN ICONIC BUILDING THROUGH A UNIQUE LENS
For Papamichael, the building that inspired the “Space Between” installation is more than just a landmark – it’s a part of his own story. Growing up in the neighborhood, he was intimately familiar with the building and its importance to the city. In a stunning series of his own photographs, Papamichael offers a fresh perspective on the iconic structure, highlighting its unique architecture and elegant beauty. His hope is that the building will continue to serve as a symbol of unity and inspiration for Athenians and visitors alike, capturing the spirit of this incredible city and its people.
CORNERSTONE FOR A NEW ERA
A selection of black & white photographs from the 60s offers a behind-the-scenes look at the early life of this landmark building. Serving as a visual narrative, the photographs chronicle the monumental journey from an architectural model to the historic Hilton Athens. The hotel’s grandiose interiors and facilities, also depicted, were unprecedented for the city at the time. Yet, it was the people that made this building so special. The talented architects and the great artist Yiannis Moralis, who decorated the facades. The distinguished international guests and celebrities who crossed its threshold. The Athenians who made lasting memories while frequenting its premises.
EMERGING TALENT ART EXHIBITION
The temporary public art project “Athens on the Go” displayed on the construction hoarding as part of the “Space Between” exhibition is the result of an open call to artists studying at the Athens School of Fine Arts. Inspired by Authentic Modern Athens, this expressive mosaic by up-and-coming artists showcases the diversity and complexity of a city that’s constantly in flux, yet remains essentially the same.
Curated by Poka-Yio, Artist, Associate Professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts, and Founding Director of The Athens Biennale, the project brings together the work of talented artists from the Athens School of Fine Arts who present the city’s dynamic spirit through their unique perspectives.
Participating Artists: Evangelia Andronikidou, Anna Mastromihali, Dimitra Theodora Papapodopoulou, Golfinopoulou Elisavet, Filippos Napoleontas Aggelakis, Natalia Sopodi, Vasiliki Mpaltzi, Giorgos Papadomanolakis, Nikoleta Athanasopoulou, Athanasios Athanasiades, Christos Kastrinakis, Nikolaos Tzoufas, Triantafyllia Ntouroupi, Sophia Christodoulou.
ATHENS STREET ART
Street art is an intriguing aspect of the cultural identity of Athens. Inspired primarily by the urban environment, it captures the city’s collective psyche. As part of the “Space Between” initiative, four renowned graffiti artists present their version of Authentic Modern Athens, highlighting its fascinating contrasts.
APSET’s polychromatic composition reflects the cosmopolitan character of Athens, breathing new life into the urban environment.
SOTEUR’s work showcases a pop composition that seamlessly blends the classic with the modern. His art is a perfect harmony of old and new, serious and playful.
YIAKOU’s visionary artwork depicts the reincarnation of the goddess Athena in contemporary women.
SIMPLE G’s artwork draws inspiration from an act of love from his grandmother who peeled tangerines for him; a powerful, symbolic image of change and rebirth.
