Hydra Island Greece: From Apollo to 'Dream Machines' the island Hydra's Artistic Transformation

Text:
Dominique Foertig and Ernst Koslitsch
Photographer
Ernst Koslitsch Dominique Foertig
Location
Hydra Island | Slaugther House Deste Foundation
Collaborator
puplished on
September 11, 2023
Curator
Daniel Birnbaum + Massimiliano Gioni
Venture with us to the picturesque Hydra Island, Greece, where the convergence of art, technology, and imagination takes center stage. In this captivating exploration, we delve into the "Dream Machines" exhibition at the DESTE Foundation Slaughterhouse Project. Join us as we navigate the compelling intersections of contemporary art and the ever-evolving world of technology.
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.

urs fischer by sadie coles hq on hydra island greece, deste foundation exhibition 2023
Artist Urs Fischer with Chalk & Cheese, 2022 | Animatronics, chip, acrylic paint, silicone, wigs | 180,3 x 193 x 53,3 cm | Copyright by Urs Fischer: Courtesy of the Artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London | On View Deste Foundation Hydra Island Greece | Image by Ernst Koslitsch

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.

slaughter house hydra island, deste exhibition, dream machines by daniel birnbaum and massimiliano gioni on view,
Slaughter House Hydra Island | Deste Foundation Athens | Apollo by Jeff Koons | Image by Ernst Koslitsch


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.

razzle dazzle boat ba dakis joannou, founder of deste foundation near hydra island greece
Dakis Joannou Yacht "Guilty" spotted in front of the Hydras Harbour

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.

view into the exhibition dream machines, a curated show by daniel birnbaum and massimiliano gioni at slaughter house hydra island greece
View into the exhibition "Dream Machines" at Hydra Greece, Slaughterhouse | Image by Dominique Foertig

"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.

visit hydra island greece, apollo sculpture by jeff koons, slaughter house deste foundation
Deste Foundation during the night, Apollo Sculpture by Jeff Koons | Image: Ernst Koslitsch

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.

sculpture by museum of everything london, metal, acm, outsider art
ACM, Untitled, ca 2010 | Metall Items, electrical wire, palstic, wood, mirrow, paint | Dream machines Exhibition view | Courtesy of the Museum of Everythin, London

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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.

judith hopf artist on rooftop sculputre, video installation contemporary art by cad fei called oz, and takis karan dial on view at the exhibiton on hydra island
Top: Sculpute by Judith Hopf, Phone User 5 | Insight: Video by Cao Fei " OZ" Not visible: Takis "Kadran Dial" 1974 | Exhibition Dream Machines Hydra Island Greece

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.

Abu Bakarr Mansaray " No Trespass" KEEP OFF, 2022 | DREAM MACHINES EXHIBITION | Deste Foundation , Hydra Island | Slaughter House Project

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.

On the Way Back to Hydra Port from the Exhibition | Hydra Island Greece

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.

lee bull artist showcased his work involving artificial intelligence on Hydra Island
The artist Lee Bull showcased his work involving Augmented reality (AR)on Hydra Island. We took the opportunity to visit Vienna and noticed that something from Hydra had flown into our neighborhood, Vienna Währing 2023

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:

Urs Fischer "Chalk and Cheese 2022 | Hydra Island Greece

Hydra Island Greece: From Apollo to 'Dream Machines' the island Hydra's Artistic Transformation

Text:
Dominique Foertig and Ernst Koslitsch
Photographer
Ernst Koslitsch Dominique Foertig
puplished on
September 11, 2023
Curator
Daniel Birnbaum + Massimiliano Gioni
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.

urs fischer by sadie coles hq on hydra island greece, deste foundation exhibition 2023
Artist Urs Fischer with Chalk & Cheese, 2022 | Animatronics, chip, acrylic paint, silicone, wigs | 180,3 x 193 x 53,3 cm | Copyright by Urs Fischer: Courtesy of the Artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London | On View Deste Foundation Hydra Island Greece | Image by Ernst Koslitsch

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.

slaughter house hydra island, deste exhibition, dream machines by daniel birnbaum and massimiliano gioni on view,
Slaughter House Hydra Island | Deste Foundation Athens | Apollo by Jeff Koons | Image by Ernst Koslitsch


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.

Enjoyed this Discovery? Ready to plunge into a pool brimming with creative inspiration?

Don't let the excitement slip away – hop on board our newsletter extravaganza!

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