Art returning to its Roots
In the village of Elliniko, Ioannina, the stone and the sculptured landscape of Epirus meet modern sculpture in a museum with special emotional value. Theodoros Papagiannis, a leading sculptor and professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts, chose the old Primary School of his village to house the Museum of Contemporary Art that bears his name, firmly believing that the "global" begins with the "local".
A Museum of Memory and Experiences
The building, constructed by traditional local craftsmen with support from benefactor N. Mandelopoulos, hosts the works that were inspired by the artist’s personal memories. The exhibits pay tribute to Epirus: busts of benefactors, themes of emigration, bread and education, as well as works dedicated to the "humble" of life, such as the Epirote craftsman and the Epirote mother.
Art outside the Museum
In the courtyard of 0.7 hectares, there are 20 large sculptures made of marble, brass and iron, works of Papagiannis and other distinguished sculptors (Chouliaras, Rokos, etc.). These works are created during the Sculpture Symposiums that take place every summer (August 15 - Septembre 10). At the same time, the artists have formed an impressive sculptural route of 6 km, starting at the entrance of the village and ending at the historic Monastery of Tsoukas.
Cultural Contribution
The Museum collaborates closely with the University of Ioannina on publications and educational programmes, while Papagiannis' activity extends to the village cafés, which are filled with authentic sketches of his fellow villagers. The Museum in the village of Elliniko is not just a gallery, but a living organism that exemplifies how high art can draw from rural life and return to it as a valuable gift.
A Museum of Memory and Experiences
The building, constructed by traditional local craftsmen with support from benefactor N. Mandelopoulos, hosts the works that were inspired by the artist’s personal memories. The exhibits pay tribute to Epirus: busts of benefactors, themes of emigration, bread and education, as well as works dedicated to the "humble" of life, such as the Epirote craftsman and the Epirote mother.
Art outside the Museum
In the courtyard of 0.7 hectares, there are 20 large sculptures made of marble, brass and iron, works of Papagiannis and other distinguished sculptors (Chouliaras, Rokos, etc.). These works are created during the Sculpture Symposiums that take place every summer (August 15 - Septembre 10). At the same time, the artists have formed an impressive sculptural route of 6 km, starting at the entrance of the village and ending at the historic Monastery of Tsoukas.
Cultural Contribution
The Museum collaborates closely with the University of Ioannina on publications and educational programmes, while Papagiannis' activity extends to the village cafés, which are filled with authentic sketches of his fellow villagers. The Museum in the village of Elliniko is not just a gallery, but a living organism that exemplifies how high art can draw from rural life and return to it as a valuable gift.
