Full Calendar

When: November 20, 2023-January 27, 2024

Opening: Monday 20 November, 2023, from 18.30

Opening hours: Thursdays and Fridays 15.00 – 19.00, Saturdays 12.00 – 16.00 and by appointment

Where: ACG Art Gallery, 6 Gravias Street, 15342, Athens, Greece

 

Curated by: Ioanna Papapavlou (Sr Manager ACG Art Collection, Deree – The American College of Greece)

“It is impossible to contemplate Athena’s triads, her chords, unless one also hears them as musical tones.”
­– Kimon Friar in “The Triforms of Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten,” 1984

 

 

About the exhibition

The American College of Greece (ACG) is pleased to present the retrospective exhibition by Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, The Musicality of Sculpture at ACG Art Gallery, as part of a series of events marking the 100 Years of the College’s operation in Greece.

As a prolific female artist, Politopoulou-Kargsten was a prominent figure of her time, and her work remains just as relevant and influential today. In the exhibition The Musicality of Sculpture, she invites viewers to experience an exploration of the past as well as the feminine body in motion. A sensation of movement courses through the artist’s creative universe, defining her artistic practice. With references to music and dance, she alludes to a subconscious human desire to relive the past through mythology and release long-held memories and emotions. The vivid aesthetic language and visual rhythm of her work gestures compellingly to its surroundings, producing a sense of pleasure and equilibrium.

Spanning more than five decades of artistic production, the exhibition traces the evolution of the artist’s continuous experimentation with form, shape, and style through the mediums of drawing and sculpture. Musical Rays (1992), inspired by musical scores and instruments, is the centerpiece of the exhibition. Responding to musical abstraction through a three-dimensional object, the work reflects a continuum of juxtaposed shapes, producing an interplay of light and shadows. The artist will also present a new body of sculptural work that delves deeper into geometric abstraction, including Reverse (2023), which harmoniously combines favorite materials with distinctly different qualities for the first time: white marble, African wood, and plexiglas.

The exhibition features twenty pieces from “Triforms,” a series of sculptures Politopoulou-Kargsten started producing in 1980. Now considered her most important work, it encapsulates her contribution to contemporary sculpture. Juxtaposing three successive carved layers of either marble, wood, or plexiglas, these works place the focus on a female body in constant flux, swaying to the rhythm of an imaginary musical composition. Complex shapes and mysterious cuts into the cores of the sculptures create both positive and negative spaces in each of the works. Maneuvering through the passage of light, the forms also recall minimalistic representations of musical instruments. Kimon Friar noted the recurring triad trope in Politopoulou-Kargsten’s work, which added a metaphysical element to her practice invoking a triad chord or a Bach fugue.

The exhibition also presents early works on paper, fabric, and wood as well as sculptures, including Motherhood (1958) and The Three Graces (1958), sculptures reminiscent of Cycladic idols; Kore (1961), a statuette in gilded plaster; and the series “Metamorphoses” (1989), in which the artist revisits the face of the Kore, invoking questions of identity and the ever-changing human condition. The three works included in the series “Study of Models” (1967) are early attempts to explore the imprints bodies leave behind in the physical spaces they occupy temporarily.

From 1968 to 1992, the artist’s preoccupation with representations of the female body became more prominent in her work. Inspired by the Venus of Willendorf (25,000 BC), she created a series of female figurines with steatopygous features starting in 1968.  On display in the exhibition are the works Aphrodites (1971), Female Figure (1972), and Erotic (1973), all depicting females whose abundant abdomens and thighs elevate them to archetypal symbols of fertility.

The Musicality of Sculpture features artworks from the collections of the National Gallery of Greece-Alexandros Soutsos Museum, Vorres Museum, and The American College of Greece, as well as the artist’s own personal archive. Oscillating between realism and abstraction, the artworks in the exhibition together challenge the normativity of form and unite the sensibilities of classical Greece with late European Modernism.

The exhibition is accompanied by the catalogue “Athena Politopoulou- Kargsten : The Musicality of Sculpture” published by The American College of Greece, edited by Dr. Megakles Rogakos.

Bio

Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten (born 1938, Volos, Greece) lives and works between Athens, Patmos, and Stockholm. She graduated from Pierce College in 1957 and received a scholarship to study at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri (1957-58) and Milwaukee-Downer College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin (1958-60). After completing her studies, she married Swedish pediatrician Sven-Olof Kargsten and moved to Stockholm, where she studied at the Konstfack–University of Arts, Crafts, and Design (1961-72) and the Royal Swedish Academy of Fine Arts (1972-74). Parallel to her artistic activity, she collaborated with the philhellene professor Sture Linnér to promote Greek culture in Sweden. In 1998, the Society of the Friends of the Swedish Institute at Athens honored Politopoulou-Kargsten with a prize for her work. In 2011, The American College of Greece commissioned her to design the ACG Alumni Award–Maria West, awarded to outstanding alumni for their contributions to culture. Solo exhibitions have been presented at Galerie Zygos, Athens (1984); Galerie 17, Stockholm (1986); Galerie Regio Genevensis, Carouge, Geneva (1987); Banque Suisse de Credits et Dépôts, Geneva (1987); Pandora Mansion, Makrinitsa, Pelion and Giorgio de Chirico Art Center, Volos (1993). She has also participated in several group exhibitions in Cyprus, France, Greece, Sweden and Switzerland.

Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten’s work is held at the National Gallery–Alexandros Soutsos Museum, Vorres Museum, The American College of Greece, and Municipal and Regional Theater of Volos, as well as collections in Italy, Finland, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States.

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Curatorial assistants: Evan Katsounis, Dimitra Kostoula, Athina Lasithiotaki, Katerina Milesi, Christina Tsaprailis (Deree students)

The dance performance during the opening is organized by Deree’s Dance Area:

• Performers: Haley Lowenthal and Evan Katsounis (Deree students)
• Choreography: Dr. Daphne Mourelou (Dance Area Coordinator, Deree – The American College of Greece), in collaboration with the performers
• Music: Nassos Sopilis (Manager of MU/TV/DM Studios, Deree – The American College of Greece)

Supported by the Office of Public Affairs, Office of Advancement & Alumni and the Frances Rich School of Fine and Performing Arts. In collaboration with Deree’s Dance Area: Frances Rich School of Fine and Performing Arts.

Special thanks to the National Gallery-Alexandros Soutsos Museum and the Vorres Museum for the loans of works from their collections.

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Melodious Rays
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Melodious Rays, 1992, Steel and plexiglass, 180 x 90 x 90 cm, Courtesy of the artist

 

 

 

Musical Memory
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Musical Memory, 1991, Marble, 83 x 25 x 9 cm, Courtesy of the artist

 

 

 

Musical Memory
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Musical Memory, 1991, Pencil on paper, 64 x 46 cm, Courtesy of the artist

 

 

 

Sounds of Silence
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Sounds of Silence, 1991, Patina on African wood, 78 x 23 x 9 cm, Courtesy of the artist

 

 

 

Couple
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Couple, 1983, plexiglass, 36 x 27 x 4 cm, Courtesy of the artist

 

 

 

 

Composition
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Composition, 1984, Patina on African wood, 113 x 60 x 14 cm, Courtesy of the Vorres Museum, Paiania

 

 

 

Female Figure
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Female Figure, 1972, Gilded epoxy, 62 x 17 x 14 cm, Courtesy of the artist

 

 

 

Triform (Ode to Spring)

Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Triform (Ode to Spring), 1984, patina on African wood, 101 x 59 x 13 cm, Courtesy of the National Gallery-Alexandros Soutsos Museum

 

 

Anatasis 
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Anatasis, 1987, marble, 165 x 44 x 9 cm, The American College of Greece Art Collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reverse 
Athena Politopoulou-Kargsten, Reverse, 2023, marble, patina on African wood, plexiglass, 56 x 32 59 cm, Courtesy of the artist 

 

When:

Thursday, November 30, 2023 (18:00 – 21:00) &
Saturday, December 2, 2023 (09:00 – 22:00)

Where:

ACG Events Hall (Aghia Paraskevi Campus, 6 Gravias Str.)

Co-organizers:

General Secretariat of Natural Environment and Water, Hellenic Ministry of Environment and Energy
The American College of Greece
Sustainable Development Unit — ATHENA RC
Municipality of Aghia Paraskevi
under the Auspices of the Green Fund

In collaboration with:
Center of Excellence in Sustainability, The American College of Greece
Office of Sustainability — Public Affairs, The American College of Greece

Supported by:

Athens University of Economics and Business

About the event

Two joint Events on good practices for water management that aspire to be a catalyst for positive changes in water management practices and biodiversity conservation, laying the foundations for sustainable cities.

November 30, 2023, 18:00 – 21:00 – Event of Water Management Best Practices, ACG Events Hall

The event aims to bring together academics, experts, policymakers, innovators, citizens and young people to share ideas and best practices in water management.

December 2, 2023, 09:00 – 22:00 – CLIMATHON on the Challenge of ‘Water, Nature and Citizens,’ ACG Events Hall

The event seeks to promote an environment of cooperation for the exchange of innovative ideas and sustainable solutions that address current challenges of water management, biodiversity loss in cities and the interactions for citizens, particularly crucial in times of climate crisis.

The Climathon is an ideathon that seeks to engage and raise awareness among citizens on issues facing the local community and related to climate change.

Citizens, guided by mentors, are invited to propose sustainable and innovative solutions aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. At the heart of the initiative are the Climathon organizers and participants in each city, who support and promote the movement around the world.

Municipalities, businesses, schools and universities, experts and non-experts, young people and parents are invited to join this journey of co-creating new solutions.

Today, more than ever, under the pressure of climate change, we need fresh and innovative ideas and actions related to the management of water resources and the protection of biodiversity in urban environments with a focus on the environment and society. Therefore, we aspire to contribute to finding effective solutions to real climate challenges. The challenge of the Climathon in Aghia Paraskevi is: “Water, Nature and Citizens.”

Participants will receive separate certificates of attendance for each day, upon request. For December 2 certificates will be issued to those joining the competing teams.

In addition, participants in the Climathon will have the chance to win exciting prizes as they contribute innovative solutions.

The top three submissions will be rewarded as follows:

1st Prize:
– Cash prize worth €1,200
– Climathon souvenirs of Aghia Paraskevi

2nd Prize:
– Cash prize worth €800
– Climathon souvenirs of Aghia Paraskevi

3rd Prize:
– Cash prize worth €500
– Climathon souvenirs of Aghia Paraskevi

Get ready to refuel your energy with some delightful treats! Goody’s – Everest will offer you refreshing beverages, snacks, light lunch and dinner!

Special thanks to Goody’s Everest for donating the coffee, cookies, lemonade, sandwiches and hamburgers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please click for more information about Agenda, Speakers, Mentors and Jury.

 

 

When: Friday, December 1, 2023 | 10:00–17:00 
Where: ACG Trading Room, Aghia Paraskevi Campus, 6 Gravias Str.

Organized by
the Entrepreneurship Management program,  School of Business and Economics
Deree — The American College of Greece

About the event

The event is open only to Deree students, who will be introduced to key start-up realities and challenges and learn how to use the tool of the Business Model, as a way to turn ideas into business with feasibility potential (10:00-13:00). In the second part (14:00-17:00), they will form teams and work on the concepts taught.

Those interested in attending, please register by November 26, 2023.  Only 30 seats available (first come first served)

For further information, please contact Dr. Katerina Voutsina ([email protected]) or Prof. Maria Pallidou ([email protected] ).

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About the speakers/moderators 

Katerina Papathoma, Consultant at MGC Consulting Services, member of KEMEL since 2019 

Former Medical Director Janssen EMEA, MID-SIZED Markets (MSM). Chemist of University of Athens, holding the Pharmaceutical Physician Diploma from the Basel University. Katerina has more than 30 years of working experience as Director of Medical, Scientific, Governmental & Regulatory Affairs and Health Care Compliance. She is customer–focused, results & performance–oriented with innovative scientific approach & ability to adapt and change as needed.

 

Dionisis Spiliopoulos, Lean startup Educator & Mentor, member of KEMEL since 2007

Consultant at the METRON Energy Applications S.A. and former President and MD at Schneider Hellas S.A. He has long business experience in different positions, the most important one being CEO of SCHNEIDER Electric Hellas from 2002 to 2010. Main field of business activity is Business Strategy, Organizational optimization and Business Development. Dionisis is a Mechanical Engineer (NTUA).  

 

Maria Pallidou
Associate Lecturer in Entrepreneurship, School of Business and Economics (SBE), Deree — The American College of Greece (ACG)

Maria Pallidou has been a member of the faculty of the School of Business and Economics since January of 2017 and has taught courses in Finance and Management (Entrepreneurship).
She has a career spanning 30 years, primarily in Corporate Finance having served in the positions of Country CFO and Regional Finance Director in Greece and the Europe-Middle East and Africa Region in the Consumer Products, Agrochemicals, Apparel and Health Care Industries. Maria Pallidou has more recently worked in Project Management and Management Consulting for domestic and international companies and is currently CFO and Co-Founder of a high med-tech start-up operating in the Health Care Industry.

 

Dr. Katerina Voutsina
Professor in Entrepreneurship, School of Business and Economics (SBE), Deree — The American College of Greece (ACG)

Dr. Katerina Voutsina is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator of Entrepreneurship Management at Deree – The American College of Greece. She holds a PhD from the Department of Management, London School of Economics and Political Science, an MSc from the Department of Marketing, Athens University of Economics and Business and a BSc from the Department of Economics, Athens University of Economics and Business. Prior to joining Deree, she was a research fellow/lecturer in the Department of Management at the London School of Economics and a visiting lecturer at Warwick Business School. Her research interests focus on the cognitive, organizational and socio-economic aspects of technological innovation and entrepreneurship. She was involved in England’s National Programme for Information Technology by evaluating the implementation and adoption of nationwide electronic health records in secondary care in England. For several years she has been serving as a reviewer for scholarly journals and academic conferences. Her work has been published in internationally referred journals and presented at international conferences.