Somewhere in Neapoli, a fisherman and folk artist, named Napoleon gathers daily around his seagulls that keep him company under his tree, on Nikiforou Ouranou street, filling the other –the sky inside him- with memories from his childhood and adolescence by the sea. Time as his ally, as it happens with many artisans- has granted him wisdom and patience. Immeasurable, unstrained, time during childhood became his mentor and guide during the hectic journeys of his mind, while he carved the wood, molded the wings and gave birth to the seagulls that fly constantly with the wind, continuing their voyage above the sea.
What if the sea is now in the heart of Athens? What if they don't gaze at the ships but at the steps of people passing by? What if they don't rest on the rocks by the sea but on the branches of a tree on Nikiforou Ouranou street? The wind that blows within the artisan gave them wings. And now, they fly.
Wind Within is an exhibit which includes three creators with different approaches and backgrounds that came together by an initial invite made by Blanka Amezkua. Simultaneously, Wind Within hopes to incite a conversation between what is defined as folk art and what is understood as fine art. The limits are not always clear and the definitions seem often restrictive.
The handcrafted seagulls of Napoleon Tzanetos, coexist with the fragile beings of Marietta Kallona and the conceptual games of Jana Tziveleki. The three different approaches – technically and artistically - find a common point in the wind that blows not only outside, but also within; inside the creator who is seeking for his/her inspiration and also within those who enjoy the journey of life.
Another wind, that of unrest and therefore of renewal has woken up the figures of the Greek Japanese artist Marietta Kallona from a quiet sleep. The woman as a free bird. as a defenseless bird. as a wounded bird; the woman who wakes up with new wings. The exact moment she realizes that those winds can liberate her from all types of cages. Or take her back to them whenever she wants. Is it fear, uncertainty or the excitement of total freedom? Her nest is always there to give her rebirth. Her wings are always ready to open again; all it takes is the Wind Within to start blowing once more.
The Wind Within blows also through the work of Jana Tziveleki, moving the limits, tearing down borders. What matters happens outside of the image. What lifts us higher inhabits inside of us. With bright colors she portrays the saddest incidents; the interrupted journey; the wings that broke before reaching their destination. The wind within that can put you in danger. The fear of falling, the void, and failure. Until you rise again.
For a month, Fo Kia Nou 24/7 will be filled with flights, with the presence of handcrafted birds about to take off; with figures ready to fly, with narratives from past journeys and a motive for new beginnings. Journeys of the mind, the soul, the heart. Real journeys. Through lands. Through time.
The Wind Within will blow and will make us fly unexpectedly far...
Opening: Saturday November 8, 2014, 14:00-19:00
Duration: November 8 - December 5, 2014
Participating Artists: Napoleon TZANETOS | Marietta KALLONA | Jana TZIVELEKI