Hydra Island Greece: From Apollo to 'Dream Machines' the island Hydra's Artistic Transformation
As we stand at the crossroads of a technological revolution, 'Dream Machines' challenges us to question our role in shaping the future. Should we embrace the ever-evolving world of technology, or do we need to carve out new spaces of creative resistance in this digital era? These are the thought-provoking questions that surfaced during our recent holiday on Hydra Island, Greece, where Munchies Art Club had the privilege to visit the "Dream Machines" exhibition at the Deste Foundation Slaughterhouse Project.
Thrilled to find ourselves back on Hydra Island for the second time this year, this place holds a special significance for my wife, who spent her formative years here. Every year, we eagerly anticipate discovering what's on view at the slaughterhouse, and once again, it did not disappoint.
Deste Slaughterhouse: Navigating the Future on Hydra Island, Greece
Last year, we were among those utterly captivated by Jeff Koons' iconic Apollo sculpture, which has found a permanent home on this picturesque island, now establishing itself as an indelible landmark. The transformation of the old Slaughterhouse building into a contemporary art space by the DESTE Foundation has been nothing short of remarkable.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, we've had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary works by artists like Urs Fisher, Mathew Barney, and Jeff Koons in recent years.
And now, there's a palpable buzz about an upcoming group show in the next season that we can't wait to explore.
During our stay on Hydra, I serendipitously stumbled upon the mastermind behind the Deste project—or at least his yacht, "Guilty," lazily moored in the port one day.
Razzle Dazzle Vessel
This 35-meter eye-catching vessel, commissioned by entrepreneur Dakis Joannou from artist Jeff Koons and designed by Ivana Porfiri, features geometric designs inspired by British naval camouflage from World War I, known as Razzle Dazzle Painting. The yacht itself doubles as an open-air museum, housing notable art pieces, including "Guilty" by Sarah Morris, showcased in one of its cabins.
Here's a fun fact: my diploma work at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna also featured three large Razzle Dazzle-inspired images of broken cement walls.
Judged at the time by reknown artist Erwin Wurm who also has a house on the Island.
These coincidences once again underscore the interconnectedness of the art world.
But let's now shift our focus to the main attraction of this article: the current exhibition at Deste Foundation, Slaughter House Project, Hydra Island , "Dream Machines."
Due to the scorching heat and the relentless sun, we made our way to the slaughterhouse exhibition around 8 o'clock in the evening.
Fortunately, a gentle breeze had emerged, accompanying us from the sea, and the slight coolness in the hot August evening was a welcome relief.
Stunning Exploration of Technology and Imagination: "Dream Machines" Unveiled at DESTE Slaughterhouse
Upon reading the exhibition's title, "Dream Machines," I couldn't help but recall Philip K. Dick's science fiction classic, "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?".
This novel delves into themes of empathy, artificial intelligence, and the essence of humanity. In this exhibition, the artists and curators provoke us with dreams and questions about our future.
"Dream Machines," curated by Daniel Birnbaum and Massimiliano Gioni, transcends the boundaries of traditional art exhibitions.
Nestled within the cavernous confines of the DESTE Slaughterhouse in Hydra, this groundbreaking exhibition delves deep into the profound impact of technology on the human imagination.
It takes us on a mesmerizing journey, from the reinterpretation of Marcel Duchamp's iconic 'Coffee Mill' to a glimpse into the virtual realm of recent experiments, all set in an endless mechanical ballet—an authentic 'bachelor machine,' borrowing Duchamp's term.
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Nightview at Deste Foundation Greece, Hydra Island with a Sculpture by Judith Hopf called " Phone User 5" | Image by Ernst Koslitsch
This captivating exhibition seamlessly blends timeless treasures from the Dakis Joannou Collection with innovative, newly commissioned works. Among the historical figures featured are Duchamp and Wilhelm Reich, while contemporary luminaries like Jeff Koons, Pipilotti Rist, and Rosenkranz share the spotlight. The exhibit also welcomes a diverse array of self-taught outsiders into its thought-provoking narrative.
In light of Ray Kurzweil's predictions of a utopian singularity driven by Artificial Intelligence, and the juxtaposition of a surveillance economy with compromised essential human rights, "Dream Machines" leaves us with an open question: should artists celebrate emerging technologies, ignore them, or emerge as champions of a new resistance?
The exhibition beckons you to contemplate these profound inquiries, immersing you in a realm where art and technology intertwine seamlessly.
Spoiler alert: A local informant informed us that next year, a renowned painter "George Condo", will showcase 2024 his fantastic work on the island.
What is Deste Foundation and Project Hydra Slaughterhouse?
The DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art, founded by collector Dakis Joannou in 1983, is a non-profit institution headquartered in Geneva.
With its exhibition space in Athens, Greece, DESTE is dedicated to promoting emerging and established artists, expanding the reach of contemporary art, supporting young talents, and exploring the intersections of contemporary art and culture.
The name "DESTE" means "LOOK" in Greek, and indeed, the exhibition and the artists it showcases are nothing short of eye-catching.
In addition to its ongoing Athens exhibition program, the DESTE Foundation extends its cultural impact beyond city limits. In 2008, the historic slaughterhouse on Hydra Island was entrusted to DESTE by the Municipality.
After meticulous restoration, it now stands as a captivating exhibition venue, seamlessly blending its rich past with contemporary art. It offers an annual summer series of exhibitions that spotlight both established and emerging artists.
Duration:
Dates: 20.6.2023 - 20.10 2023
Hours: Daily 11:00-13:00 + 19:00-22:00
Tuesday Closed
Follow the Instagram Account of Deste Foundation and Events at the Slaughter House Hydra Greece:
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Hydra Island Greece: From Apollo to 'Dream Machines' the island Hydra's Artistic Transformation
As we stand at the crossroads of a technological revolution, 'Dream Machines' challenges us to question our role in shaping the future. Should we embrace the ever-evolving world of technology, or do we need to carve out new spaces of creative resistance in this digital era? These are the thought-provoking questions that surfaced during our recent holiday on Hydra Island, Greece, where Munchies Art Club had the privilege to visit the "Dream Machines" exhibition at the Deste Foundation Slaughterhouse Project.
Thrilled to find ourselves back on Hydra Island for the second time this year, this place holds a special significance for my wife, who spent her formative years here. Every year, we eagerly anticipate discovering what's on view at the slaughterhouse, and once again, it did not disappoint.
Deste Slaughterhouse: Navigating the Future on Hydra Island, Greece
Last year, we were among those utterly captivated by Jeff Koons' iconic Apollo sculpture, which has found a permanent home on this picturesque island, now establishing itself as an indelible landmark. The transformation of the old Slaughterhouse building into a contemporary art space by the DESTE Foundation has been nothing short of remarkable.
Amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, we've had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary works by artists like Urs Fisher, Mathew Barney, and Jeff Koons in recent years.
And now, there's a palpable buzz about an upcoming group show in the next season that we can't wait to explore.
During our stay on Hydra, I serendipitously stumbled upon the mastermind behind the Deste project—or at least his yacht, "Guilty," lazily moored in the port one day.
