This is the coolest museum in Greece (also, one that you've probably never heard of)
Yes, it's located on a "party" island. As Sophocles once said, "So the 'ef what?"
They’re heeere! The iconic “little men” of renowned Greek artist Yiannis Gaitis, that is — and they are the silent soldiers of the recently opened Gaitis-Simossi. The museum showcases the major works of two of Greece’s best-known contemporary artists, and in so doing raises the cultural profile of Ios. Ios is an island of great beauty still mainly known as a party island.
At the opening event, Greek Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, said that the museum “fits harmoniously into the natural landscape of Ios, thanks to its architecture, which fruitfully metabolizes all the characteristics of traditional Cycladic architecture, to transform them into a modern building, integrating at the same time, with insight, elements of the work of Gaitis and Simosi, encompassing an obvious experiential dimension that inextricably links it to Ios", as it "comes from the love of the creator Yiannis Gaitis for the island.”
According to the National Gallery in Athens, Mr. Gaitis started making his figures of little men, which he originally repeated around a central representation and later made into a schematic and standardized figure, as a way to constitute both a symbol and ironic means of social criticism.
The pavilion exhibiting Mr. Gaitis’ works stands in startling but also harmonious contrast to the island’s rugged natural landscape.
The pavilion exhibiting Mr. Gaitis’ works (above and below) stands in startling but also harmonious contrast to the island’s rugged natural landscape.
For more museum information and opening hours, click here.
For where to stay in Ios — check out our previous dispatch right here.
As always, before and after viewing the contemporary art of any nation, we recommend for adults a tall cold glass of Corfu Beer🇬🇷🍻
