Greece is best known for its ancient heritage, beautiful beaches and delicious food; less well known is the country’s contemporary art scene, which is very vibrant and includes institutions such as the ΕΜΣΤ National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens, leading international and Greek art galleries and a solid core group of local collectors. Greece also has its own art fair, Art Athina, an annual event organised by the Hellenic Art Galleries Association which offers locals and visitors the opportunity to discover new art and artists, creating a dialogue between the Greek and international markets and providing a platform for expanding the local collector base.
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The September Art Fair is one of the oldest in Europe and is held every year in the historic Zappeion, which holds an important place in Greek national heritage. Located in the heart of Athens, the Zappeion is an impressive neoclassical building designed in the 19th century by Danish architect Theophil Hansen as a venue for events related to the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
“As a boutique fair with 71 galleries, Art Athina creates an intimate narrative experience connected to the city, its institutions and its urban and social fabric,” director Antonis Kourkoulos told Observer. “An inspiring group of young and talented curators takes over the fair’s programme, each with a different focus.” The 2024 edition of the art fair (19-23 September) will include a design section curated by Tina Daskalantonaki, Manthos Kaloumenos and Mare Studio presents the best design creations from Greece and Europe. Other curated areas of the fair include “Projects”, dedicated to independent art spaces, as well as “Video” and “Performance”. The fair also offers an extensive discussion program and a children’s area.
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When asked about the state of the Greek contemporary art scene, Kourkoulos described it as characterized by a dynamic interplay of local and international influences. “The Greek contemporary art market is robust and continues to innovate,” she said. “Artists and galleries explore new media and practices, reflecting global trends while maintaining a unique Greek identity. It is also characterized by dynamic growth, international engagement and a strong presence of both emerging and established artists, as well as a new generation of enthusiastic collectors.”
Despite the country’s economic challenges, the market has proven resilient, supporting the fair’s forward-looking approach and embrace of digital innovations. However, Art Athina’s greatest strength is the interaction between ancient and contemporary, between today’s art scene and the city’s cultural heritage, and between national and international heritage. International exhibitors exhibiting this year include Enari Gallery (Netherlands), GALERIE LJ (France) and xippas (France, Switzerland, Uruguay).
“The fair is closely linked to the city’s vibrant art scene, which includes renowned galleries, important cultural institutions and the dynamic creative scene,” added Kourkoulos. “This synergy between Art Athina and the Athens art scene makes it a significant event for local and international audiences and contributes to the ongoing development and recognition of contemporary art in Greece.”
