Titled “I Think I Should Stay Here,” our exploration delved into the intricate dynamics of establishing roots and remaining rooted within a specific location, particularly exemplified by our experience on Syros Island, where we are in the process of setting up a space. While part of this process involves acknowledging the significance of broadening our horizons beyond the confines of the island.
At the core of our approach lies a strong commitment to fostering symbiosis with all stakeholders and crafting a sustainable model that emphasizes human connections, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. We firmly believe that by nurturing meaningful relationships and adopting a holistic approach to our project, we could make a positive contribution not only to our immediate environment (the island) but also to the broader community. To sustain our island initiatives, we have been producing fig marmalade editions using fruit from our trees. The sales of these jars, featuring labels designed by Pink House Press or collaborators, have funded the construction of our space, transforming fig jam into a publication and a vital part of our practice. Making marmalade not only serves as a means of funding but also as an invitation to share and connect.
During our two-month stay at OnassisAir, we initiated discussions with fellow residents and other professionals, aiming to enrich dialogue on sustainable and regenerative living, community development, and cultural exchanges. While actively involved in project activities in Syros and Belgium, we identified a gap in connections with similar initiatives in Athens. To bridge this gap, we engaged in discussions with a wide range of individuals connected to the local scene.
The first phase of these conversations occurred at various locations and started with the intention of collectively imagining a future art space on the island, using our space under construction as a point of reflection. We conversed with fellow residents such as Peter Miller (poet) and Eva Vaslamatzi (independent curator), along with other professionals like Marou Hatzopoulou (head of the AKTES project), Christina Kotzilelou (designer, chef), Evita Tsokanta (independent curator, educator), and Andreas Sell (Hermitage of Sikamineas).
The second phase took the form of a jam workshop set up for a week’s time in the atrium of the cultural organization. Together with invited guests including Dimitra Kondylatou (visual artist, filmmaker), Michailangelos Vlassis Ziakas (visual artist, filmmaker), Laure Jaffuel (visual artist, designer) with ARCAthens residents (residency program), Eleanna Bata (architecture student) and the Trophy Lab group, Georgia Manousogiannaki & Eirini Vallindra (ecologists, architects, educators) and Evita Tsokanta (independent curator), we created jam. To facilitate these discussions, we installed a temporary kitchen in the atrium, utilizing a tent designed to provide shade and house the kitchen underneath. The leaf-shaped tent served as a platform for fostering connections and facilitating discussions, with our approach revolving around the communal act of making jam together. This hands-on activity aimed to cultivate a relaxed and informal environment conducive to deep and meaningful conversations. The interactive and inclusive setting transformed the atrium into a hub of exchange, where diverse perspectives converged, ideas were shared, and everyone was welcome to join.
The jam made during this week was potted in small jars and distributed during the Open Day to the audience, featuring a label designed by Php and two poems by Peter Miller inspired by the ingredients. The marmalades were subsequently shared with attendees at the Onassis Air Open Day #8 during a discussion led by Evita Tsokanta, continuing our ongoing conversation about the evolution of our practice on the island.
In conclusion, our time in Athens was a journey of exploration, collaboration and personal growth. It strengthened our commitment to sustainable practices and community involvement, expanding our network and creative perspectives. Moving forward, we continue our efforts to create spaces that foster creativity, collaboration and meaningful change. During our two-month stay, we reflected on whether ‘being in a place’ (stay here) feels more like a methodology or a state of mind rather than a physical state.
