Paxos Island: An Inspiration for Contemporary Art

Inspired by the nature and beauty of the island of Paxos, south of Corfu, which has been able to protect itself from the strain of modern tourism, a group of creative artists is making its own proposal for a contemporary art festival. A description of the project can be found on the Kickstarter online platform which has been set up to gather supporters and sponsors.


Antipaxos

The project

Called Paxos Contemporary Art Project (PCAP) it is a free, public work of contemporary art that will take place on the island from 22 June to 9 September 2018. The contemporary art events will take place in public places and will be completely free. The exhibitions will include works on paper, sculpture, performance, mural, and audio/ video installations.


The eight young, dedicated artists involved in the project long to work with the magnificent, wild nature of Paxos. They are: Axel Void, Jewgeni Roppel, Leonid Keller, Linus Lohmann, Quintessenz Creation, Rene Wagner, Michael Sebastian Haas and Yiannis Pappas.



Searching for a location in Loggos with Leonid Keller.

The idea
 
The artists will create works of art – on paper, sculpture, murals, performances and audio-visual installations - in existing natural and architectural locations all over the island, mainly open-air.
 
The festival sites will be spread all over the island and some will also be visible from the sea. Visitors will be able to access them either by car or on foot. Public events with the artists will take place during the inauguration week in June (22-27).
 
A website and an information point in the centre of Paxos will provide a detailed map of the festival sites as well as the surrounding area.
 
The map will also provide information about the artists and their work. Visitors will be able to navigate the festival as well as heritage sites, natural reserves, restaurants, beaches and other places of interest.



‘Presence’ installation by Michael Sebastian Haas



‘Life’ by Axel Void



‘9miles’ installation by Quintessenz



‘Bogen’ by Linus Lohmann



‘#shapeofalake’ by Leonid Keller

How the idea was born

Marina Tomacelli, who initially conceived the idea with Chris Boikos, owner of an art gallery in Paris and Paxos, says: “It is a clear and very ambitious project. The idea was born from a deep passion for the island’s beautiful and unique nature. At first, it seemed like a dream to me, to accomplish such an advanced work of art. However, when I started to share my dream with other artists, art galleries and friends from Paxos and abroad I got a tremendous response and great moral and practical support.



Without all of these beautiful people this project would never have got to where it is today.



The greatest challenge that I am facing now is to inspire you and gain your trust and financial support in order to make PCAP (Paxos Contemporary Art Project) happen. The funds that will be raised will be used solely to pay for transportation and materials for the 8 artists, as well as for a symbolic artist’s tax. Accommodation will be provided by many friends in Paxos.”

Find out more here.