ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI C.N.P.P. in collaboration with the Association of Cancer Patients K.E.F.I. of Athens presents the group exhibition Inter-traces | Trajectories of Printmaking at ETCH INK art space from December 13, 2024 until January 18, 2025. The exhibition is the culmination of the long-term artistic programme on Printmaking and Print Art, organised by the ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER, under the guidance of artist facilitators who worked closely with the group of participants.

The visitors will discover the artistic trajectory of the participants through their engagement with the visual language of printmaking, techniques and material imprints of the intermediate stages, as well as the connections and intersections developed through this month-long immersive venture.

The exhibition Inter-traces | Trajectories of Printmaking unfolds the themes explored in the framework of the programme. The works examine the subject’s relationship with itself, the mother and the other, focusing on personal and interpersonal connections, intimacy and detachment between the embodied self and the world. They investigate and illustrate emotional sites, lived experiences and narratives on the notions of home and intimate space. They also touch upon text and language, using writings by the poet and oncologist Alexandros Ardavanis, to examine the relationship between the printed image, the poetics of language and lived experience.

This innovative programme aims to align printmaking with art education, inclusion and accessibility in the arts. Participants had the opportunity to explore the language of printmaking and the creative capacities of this medium, as well as to delve into the visual, conceptual and interpretive extensions of the artworks they produced.

The programme focused on empowering artistic practices through hands-on exercises and methods, while investigating therapeutic approaches and healing processes through art. Both collectively and individually, participants were encouraged to develop visual and aesthetic sensibilities, experimentation and self-expression, through a collaborative and psycho-dynamic approach. Under the guidance of professional visual artists, they were introduced to techniques such as etching, sugar-lift, linocut and they experimented with relief printing using gelatin, to create new original works.

Zoe Grammatoglou, President of the Association of Cancer Patients K.E.F.I. of Athens states: “Inter-traces is a bright example of how art can become a vehicle for empowerment and self-expression, but also a bridge between people, experiences and emotions. Through our collaboration with the Athens Printmaking Art Center and the great facilitators of the program, we were delighted to see participants explore new forms of expression, while drawing strength from artistic creation. Art has the unique power to heal both the body and soul, touching deeply personal experiences and transforming pain into creativity. This exhibition is much more than a mere presentation of artworks. It represents a form of sharing of participants, who reveal parts of their soul, proving that struggle for life can be translated into inspiration and hope. We are proud to support initiatives like this and we are grateful to everyone who contributed to this unique experience.”

Dimitra Siaterli, co-founder of Athens Printmaking Art Center, founding member and volunteer of the Association K.E.F.I., who initiated this project notes: “ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI has collaborated with Association K.E.F.I many times in the past. Α moment that stands out, is the collaboration between the two organisations, on the occasion of a anniversary exhibition at the Municipal Gallery of Athens back in 2008, for the completion of the 30-years operation of the studio, with sixty works from artists and collaborators. We are glad that this partnership continues to this day. This is a proof that art can engage into dialogue with non-artistic fields offering unique opportunities and experiences of connection, interaction, exchange, observation and experimentation. For this new exhibition at the ETCH INK art space, the themes we have been working on through printmaking include: “the relationship with mother”, “relationships between the two”, “the relationship with our other selves”, “a house full of…”, as well as our engagement with the writings of Alexandros Ardavanis through printmaking. These are topics aiming at the quest and awakening of experiences and emotions in the conscious and unconscious of each and every one of us.”

Artists – facilitators:

Marianna Kontoe, Semina Lantavou, Maria Papageorgiou, Panos Pristouris, Christos Roumeliotis, Dimitra Siaterli

Participants:

Pigi Vassilopoulou, Areti Grigoratou, Giannis Kourtis, Evangelos Krikonis, Katerina Mantzourani, Marina Nisotaki, Charoula Nikolaidou, Marina Prezerakou, Maria Tzelepi, Elpida Tzouriadou, Fotini Flouri

The exhibition will remain closed on the following dates: 25/12, 26/12, 27/12, 1/1, 2/1, 3/1

The programme and the exhibition of Athens Printmaking Art Center in collaboration with the Association of Cancer Patients K.E.F.I. of Athens, is organised under the auspices and the financial support of the Ministry of Culture.

 

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ETCH INK art space

Argyroupoleos 16, Lycabettus, 11471, Athens, Greece

Opening

Friday 13th December 2024, 6:30pm – 10:30pm

Dates

December 13, 2024 – January 18, 2025

Opening days & hours

Wednesday – Thursday – Friday 5:00pm – 9:00pm & Saturday 11:00am – 3:00pm

Info | [email protected] | www.athens-printmaking.com