A very special evening at the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) by EPIKYKLOS

The event kicked off with a private tour of the exhibition SYMBOLS & ICONIC RUINS by the person who conceived and curated it, Dr Panayotis Pangalos, who explained, through the analysis of the exhibited works, the ways that we perceive and approach powerful cultural symbols, gathering under a common framework works of contemporary art and architecture. A special focus was given to three distinct yet interconnected groups: the Acropolis of Athens, the post-war architectural production in Central Europe, and references of the Berlin Wall. As the curator Dr Panayotis Pangalos mentioned: “The aim is to structure a peculiar dialogue between different ruins with current symbolic value.”

After the guided tour a dinner in honour of all guests was held at the museum’s rooftop, with the illuminated Acropolis in the background. 

The evening opened with a speech by the president of EMST, Mr Georgios Papanastasiou, followed by speeches by the exhibition curator Dr Panayotis Pangalos, the deputy minister of tourism Ms Sofia Zacharaki and the regional governor of Attica, Mr George Patoulis.

Other notable politicians who honoured the event with their presence were the deputy governor for culture Ms Maria Vidali, deputy governor for central Athens Mr Georgios Dimopoulos, and the president of EATA Ms Melina Daskalaki. Meanwhile, the president of the committee for the reconstruction of the Sacred Rock of Acropolis, the architect Mr Manolis Korres, referred to the unique experience of the exhibition.

Lastly, the CEO of EPIKYKLOS, Mr Iosif Arampatzis, explained the reasons why a construction company should engage with culture and the arts, and he used this special occasion to officially announce the founding of the EPIKYKLOS Academy of Culture, which will have as a main goal the organising and support of similar cultural activities. Through the EPIKYKLOS Academy of Culture, free art classes will be provided and scholarships will be offered that will assist in the creation of an interdisciplinary group of young people, who with their bright ideas will make our world more beautiful.

Through this action, EPIKYKLOS aims to create the conditions in which ideas can be discussed and activities can be promoted, with the objective to make art and culture part of daily life in our city, all the while Athens emerging as a beautiful and alive metropolitan capital.

* The dinner menu for the evening was created by the catering company Nice n Easy Group.

Photography: imoments.gr (Nikos Papaeorgiou & Esther Makri)