ela n' agapithoume, darling + little death

site-specific installation in Villa Iolas, Dimokratias 6, Agia Paraskevi, Athens

mixed materials, dimensions variable

12 - 19.07.2019

The group art show Let’s Supper, Mr. Iolas | Resurrection RE, curated and coordinated by Naira Stergiou and Eriphyli Veneri, was realized in the Garden of Villa Iolas with the support of NEON Organization for Culture and Development and Marni Films Independent Film Production Company.

Alexandros Iolas welcomed Andy Warhol for a Last Supper in his fabled Villa in Agia Paraskevi. The relationship between the two men was central to the concept of the show. Iolas assigned Warhol the Last Supper series; after its production and exhibition in 1987 they both died a few months apart. The marble table of the vandalized building became the core of Let’s Supper, Mr. Iolas | Resurrection RE as a remnant of the Villa’s glorious days, as an enigmatic locus of accumulated narratives. Twelve artists-”banqueters”, twelve artistic approaches, were symbolically invited to the event to compose it. The works were installed in the Garden of the Villa as well as on the building’s shell. The gates were open to the public daily when the sun set and the Dinner was served. 

Ela na Agapithoume, Darling is a series of sculptures by Naira Stergiou. Apotropaic objects and a Satyr-guard for each banqueter, each invited disciple of the Dinner, ensure the success of the Dionysian evening. Dinner is ready, the guests arrived. The evil is exorcised, the champagne bottles open. Cheers! Touto mi kai touto si / One for you and one for me / Ela na agapithoume, darling / Unaffected by the evil eye. Let the party begin!

Eriphyli Veneri’s fountain entitled Little Death is placed in the Garden of the amorous summer night. The evening’s climax, the moment between high and low, zenith and decline, is paralleled with the sensory and ephemeral erotic act and gastronomic pleasure. The sculpture is embellished with artificial as well as natural and edible flowers, which will be perished with the flow of time.