Exhibition “Weavings. Painting and Tapestry in Greece”

Tapestry complemented by works of art

Yannis Tsarouchis called tapestries “handmade woven, narrated wall hangings.” Their presentation along with paintings, drawings, sketches, photographs or sculptures with similar themes attempts to define the periods of Greek art post-1960.

The exhibition brings together artists and artisans, to produce craft pieces tied to painting, weaving and architecture.

It takes us through works of different texture but similar theme, creating unexpected impressions and interpretations.

Exhibits and creators

The exhibition includes assemblages, mostly from the trend of Fibre Art, which showcases craft creations with the use of natural or synthetic fibre. Craft weaving is infused by the expressive choices of young artists, mainly women.

The exhibition showcases this rare occasion of equal collaboration that developed creatively during the 1960s, and evolved during the 1970s and 1980s with different goals and materials. It is divided into 3 sections:

• The tapestries of the 1960s: It was during this period that the interest in tapestries began. The establishment of the Cottage Industry by the Royal Foundation of Social Works in 1955 resulted in the production of tapestries based on paintings.
• The production of hand-made carpets in the 1970-1980s: The Nees Morfes Art Gallery and the Tapis workshop produced carpets in 12 copies only, based on works by artists such as Dimitris Mytaras, Chronis Botsoglou, Paris Prekas, George Vakalo, Vaso Katraki, etc.
• The new extraordinary pieces: Alongside an emblematic assemblage by Voula Masoura stand pieces by more contemporary artists, who create 3D pieces with various types of thread and weaving techniques: Artemis Alcalay, Zoi Gaitanidou, Vassia Vanezi etc.

Educational programmes

Educational programmes for children were organised as part of to the exhibition.

Round table

On 28.02.2020, a round table discussion was hosted on weaving and tapestries in Greece.

Exhibition catalogue

A catalogue titled Weavings. Painting and Tapestry in Greece from 1960 to the Present accompanies the exhibition. The publication is available in Greek and English, and includes rich photographic material. It was edited by Tassos Sakelaropoulos, Sofia Tsourinaki, Periklis Tziaras, Kriton Kalavros, Irene Orati, Constantinos Papachristou, Annie Malama, Louisa Karapidaki.

Buy the publication Weavings. Painting and Tapestry in Greece from 1960 to the Present on the Alpha Bank e-shop.