In the context of the exhibition Ties of Eri Agriou and Olga Bogdanou, the ATHENS PRINTMAKING ART CENTER – PANDOLFINI & SIATERLI C.N.P.P.. and visual artist Eri Agriou invite the audience to a special interactive participatory workshop focused on the creation of printed apotropaic talismans, on Saturday, June 1 at 12:00pm, at the ETCH INK art space.

The activity, titled Do not Fear, is inspired by enduring symbols of protection and practices to avert evil. Medusa is a renowned such symbol. According to mythology, her head – known as “Gorgon”- would turn anyone who looked at it to stone. Since ancient times, it has been used as a method of protection and as an apotropaic symbol, depicted in houses, sacred temples, armour, weapons, shields, mosaics and various objects. Representations of Medusa have been a major theme in the history of art throughout the ages, inspiring artists from the entire spectrum of the arts to depict her head on ceramics, paintings, sculptures, as well as through contemporary media such as film and digital arts.

Artist Eri Agriou, who will be leading the workshop, deploys in her recent work the head of Medusa as a central, recurring theme which she engraves on linoleum matrices and then she prints on paper using a distinctive blue colour. Through various symbols, she approaches the concept of fear, seeking to deconstruct and reduce it. The entire body of her work touches on her personal experiences, as well as issues of adulthood, norms and conventions that modern people are called upon to respond to, setting the conditions for the empowerment of both the artist and as well as every woman.

This interactive workshop focuses on the creation of a printed design – amulet based on an original drawing of the artist, in an attempt to rewrite and reinterpret the role, power and magic of apotropaic symbols in contemporary times. Following a short interactive and reflective task, participants will be invited to focus on one of their fears, and then to anonymously write it and place it in a small collective depository. Using simple and easy techniques, they will then have the opportunity to ink and print their own talisman, discovering the art of printmaking through an original hands-on activity. The workshop is open to all ages, and the visitors will be able to take their printed amulets with them as souvenirs after its completion.

Admission is free.

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Concept – Design: Eri Agriou, Dimitra Siaterli

Event date: Saturday 1 June, 12:00pm.

ETCH INK art spac: Argyroupoleos 16 str., Lycabettus, Athens

Exhibition dates: 25 April – 1 June 2024

Opening hours: Wednesday – Thursday – Friday 17.00 – 21.00 & Saturday 11.00 – 15.00

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