60 exhibitions, 700 artists, both Greek and international, with more than 1500 works of art scattered around 88 city blocks. The numbers alone are impressive. Breaking free of the typical image of disrepair, worn down streets and empty lots, of the adjoining Athenian neighborhoods of Metaxourgeio and Kerameikos, Remap4 gives us a glimpse of the area’s history and former beauty, by transforming it, even for 3 weeks, into a unique meeting point for contemporary art. Initially launched in 2007, Remap is a multifaceted biannual art initiative, which brings together artists, both established and upcoming, from all over the world, with the aim of contributing to the formation of our contemporary cultural identity and highlighting Athens’ standing on the global cultural map. This year, stronger than ever, the pioneering platform of Remap provides a temporary versatile hub of 23 gallery shows (from countries including Greece, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Switzerland and Great Britain), 34 independent projects and numerous special events which involve the participation of the Museum of Cycladic and Ancient Greek Art, the DESTE Foundation of Contemporary Art and the NEON nonprofit group for culture and Kunsthalle Athena.
The adventure begins at the Remap4 Info Point, a traditional courtyard created from locally sourced reclaimed materials, wooden planks, cement bricks, factory lamps and cables, designed by the Mark Office architectural team. The visitor grabs a map, ready to meander around the narrow streets on a journey of discovery. Wandering around the abandoned construction lots, basements, lofty neoclassical buildings and 1960s apartment blocks, celebrating the heritage of the area, one could say that this unconventional setting is deemed the ideal location to observe and explore the diverse world of contemporary art. A tiny window allowing us to witness with both curiosity and thrill the dynamism of this event, in the most unexpected settings, bringing yet more life to a neighborhood which, through the years, has undergone a series of changes and identities.
Despite its inconsistency at some points, which might give one the impression of incoherence between certain projects, all in all, the event has successfully achieved its purpose. As Remap4 draws to close, it must be said that we were provided with an enriching experience, an alternative art presentation, seamlessly integrated in the area, taking advantage of existing structures and enhancing their cultural quality. We are definitely looking forward to the next Remap in 2015. Till then we keep moving forward, opening new doors, exploring new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths..
