Expanded Ecologies – Perspectives in a Time of Emergency

11.06 - 04.10.2009

Athens Conservatoire

In the framework of the thematic exhibition series Public Space and Social Networks, the National Museum of Contemporary Art organises its first exhibition in outdoor public space. The exhibition Expanded Ecologies – Perspectives in a Time of Emergency deals with issues related to the current ecological problem. The exhibition does not focus on a specific environmental theme; rather, it seeks to expand the concept of ecology and to approach it through contemporary artistic production, to provide a space for reflection on this complex issue. It adopts the “expanded” interpretation of ecology, according to Guattari, who speaks – in his book The Three Ecologies – of a new ecosophy, based on three different ecological registers: the environment, social relationships and human subjectivity. Guattari`s ecosophy does not involve divisions such as nature and culture, nature and man, human species and non-human species; it deals with diverse aspects of ecological thought and action – the environmental, the mental, the social, the political.

Realised at a time when ecology is at the centre of international interest, the exhibition seeks to expand the framework of reception for concepts such as the environment and environmentalism through “post-environmentalist” awareness. It does not propose a correct, “green” agenda; instead, it takes for granted that today`s ecological crisis is a complex global phenomenon, directly related to economy, society and culture. The participating artists have not created works “for” the environment but, rather, works which encourage us to think over the social, political and cultural condition, as well as the relationship of the urban and the natural environment; the individual, nature and society; nature and technology; architecture and ecology.

The exhibition showcases work by 27 mostly Athens-based artists, architects and artist collectives who propose works for the outdoor public spaces of the Athens Conservatory. The exhibition is cast in the form of an open narrative that juxtaposes themes and approaches pertinent to the many-sided issue of ecology. It features sculptural and sound installations, in situ works, evening video projections, landscape interventions, participatory and community-based projects.

Curated by Daphne Vitali

ARTISTS

Andreas Angelidakis
Nikos Alexiou
Urban Void
Giorgos Gyparakis
Coti and Dimitris Charitos
Guerilla Optimists
Intothepill
Kostas Ioannidis
Eleni Kamma
Apostolos Karastergiou
Thanos Klonaris
Alexia Kokorelia and Nomint
Maria Konti
Zissis Kotionis

DeAnna Maganias
Mo Y_Katerina Chryssanthopoulou /Benoît Durandin
Vassili Balatsos
Jennifer Nelson
Maria Ikonomopoulou
Giorgos Papadatos
Eftihis Patsourakis
Angelo Plessas
Socratis Socratous
Iris Touliatou
Eleanna Horiti
Alexandros Psychoulis
Weimar Public