Athens

2019 Bulgaria
European Capital of Culture

Between history and culture

Greek and Sardinia

Greece, the land of deities and culture, enchants with its millennia-old history and timeless charm. Embracing a blend of myths and reality, Greece and Sardinia, both nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean, reveal commonalities that make them twins in beauty and culture.

Fiery sunsets on the Greek coast evoke the same emotions as the golden beaches of Sardinia, while the crystal-clear sea caresses the shores of both lands, uniting the hearts of travelers in a singular experience of wonder.

As milestones of European civilization, the Acropolis of Athens and Sardinia's nuragic sites stand as silent witnesses to a glorious past and the artistic talent of antiquity.

Mediterranean cuisine unfolds in a symphonic kaleidoscope of flavors and aromas in both Greece and Sardinia, where olive oil, fresh fish, and local produce make each dish an unforgettable gustatory experience. In folklore and popular culture, traditional dances and music evoke joy and vitality, reflecting the animated spirit of Sardinian celebrations. But it is in the kindness of the inhabitants that Greece and Sardinia converge, welcoming visitors with warm smiles and open arms, creating a familiar atmosphere that leaves an indelible mark in the hearts of travelers.

Thus, amid enchanting sunsets and millennium-old legends, amidst sea and culture, Greece and Sardinia dance in a timeless embrace, offering those who visit them the promise of an unforgettable experience and the richness of discovering the magic of the Mediterranean.

The Context

European vibes

Our initiative took place during a particularly significant period of contact between Sardinia and Greece. At that time, the exhibition "Sardinia Megalithic Island: From Menhirs to Nuraghi, the History of Stone in the Heart of the Mediterranean" was held at the Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki.

The installation gained prominence as it was also included in the This is Athens City Festival, an initiative aimed at promoting activities and performances that take place in Athens during the weekends of May. The festival carefully selects locations to not only promote the city's contemporary history but also its architectural identity.

Supported by the pleasant spring climate, the Athens City Festival aims to attract visitors between the ages of 25 and 44. The main pillars of the Athens City Festival are related to art (theater and music performances, galleries, museums) and occasionally include gastronomy and entertainment opportunities.

The project "arte nuragica / contemporanea" is associated with the programme of "This is Athens 2022". 

Our Exhibition

Parnassos Literary Society

Arte nuragica / contemporanea was hosted in the City Gallery of Fine Arts. This is the most important contemporary art gallery in the city and the site dedicated to the installation was a graceful building from the early 1900s, located on the main pedestrian street of the city, among typical shops and restaurants.
The recently renovated rooms, equipped with systems for regulating the light and the optimal temperature for the artworks, were located on the ground floor. The large spaces made it possible to accommodate about 50 people at the same time during the events.

The public expressed great appreciation for the desire to establish a connection between the culture of the past and the creations of contemporary artists, fostered to investigate the Nuragic culture and to re-imagine it in an innovative way.

Through some QR codes, physically placed in the rooms, it was possible for visitors to access to content translated into different languages ​​(Italian, English, French, Spanish, Bulgarian) on their phones: this allowed a large audience to learn more in their own language about the Nuragic art, the works and biographies of the artists.
The multimedia components of the installation sparked a deep interest and curiosity: visitors were able to explore 10 corners of Sardinia in virtual reality, supported by videos and sounds.

The Honorary Consul Giuseppe De Francesco, representing the Italian Embassy in Sofia, also took part in the closing event.

The exhibition "Nuragic / Contemporary Art" was hosted inside the premises of the Parnassos Literary Society in Athens.