Greek Pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2021
The artist Prince Nikolaos presented ‘Together’, an enchanted, immersive scene of illuminated, embracing olive trees reflected in mirrors and surrounded by sounds of Greek nature, encouraging us to contemplate feelings of origin, connection and separation, curated by Marilena Koutsoukou.
Searching for ways the past resonates with the present and future, Prince Nikolaos investigates the natural treasure emanating from Greek soil: the olive tree and its fruit, with its glorious golden hues. Not much has changed in the way we grow and harvest olive trees from ancient times unIl today. We have always known the health-protective qualites of olive oil, proving that nature has amply and generously given us everything we need. There are olive trees in Greece which are over 2,500 years old, participating in human history and standing guard, as witnesses, of everything that connects us with our past.
UniIng these concepts in a physical space, the arIst created this immersive tree scene. Walking through the illuminated ancient trees was like walking through a pathway that connects our past, present and future. In the almost silent space created by the dimmed light, only emanating from the artwork and its reflection, one can feel the stillness that we felt during the time of forced separation and detachment, with a background noise of calming nature. This serves as a reminder to be still and listen to nature and our environment, as it resonates through space and eventually, through us.
The Greek Pavilion was curated by Marilena Koutsoukou.
The Greek Pavilion was supported by: Château Giscours; COSTA NAVARINO RESIDENCES; MRP Development; Sparta Gold by Hellenic Fine Oils; BREATHE. A Mindful Mental Health Movement
https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/london-design-biennale-2021-participants
