Mystery 22_Straw falling on concrete floors | Kostis Velonis

Ioanna Gerakidi (SNF ARTWORKS Fellow 2021) is associate curator in the in situ visual arts installation “Straw falling on concrete floors” by internationally renowned visual artist Kostas Velonis, at the courtyard behind the open theater of the Old Olive Mill, presented by 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, in collaboration with the Aeschylia Festival 2022.

The installation draws inspiration from the myth of Demeter, the goddess of agriculture and fertility, and her daughter, Persephone. With a strict geometric delimitation that functions as a mechanism of gestation and harvesting, agricultural activities are linked to the erotic act. However, the erotic narrative in this monumental sculptural installation is not only underlined by the triangular shape of its structure, but is also found in the functionality of the construction. The “thighs of Demeter” function as an insect shelter with floors consisting of different recyclable materials and plants, which “seduce” all kinds of insects that assist in the pollination process.

The installation will be exhibited from Sunday, August 28 to Sunday, October 23, while its official opening will take place on Thursday, September 8, at 20.30.

Mystery 22_Straw falling on concrete floors | Kostis Velonis
Curatorial Direction: Directorate of Contemporary Art – Zoi Moutsokou | 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture
Associate Curator: Ioanna Gerakidi
Architectural Curation: A Whale’s architects & Diogenis Verigakis
Photography: Panos Kokkinias
Scientific and Material Contribution: Agricultural University of Athens
Production Management: Alexandros Tiliopoulos
Production Coordination: Giorgos Katsonis
Executive Production: opbo studio
Organised by 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture & Aeschylia Festival 2022

A production of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture

Venue: Old Olive Mill, Elefsina
Duration: 28/8 – 23/10
Opening: Thursday 8/9 | 20:30
Opening Hours: 28/8-19/9 Monday-Sunday 19:00-23:00 (on days with performances at 19:00-20:30) 20/9-23/10 Wednesday-Sunday 17:00-21:00
Free admission

More info here.