An unexpected positive consequence of the Greek economic crisis of the past decade has been the flourishing arts movement so productive that the Greek capital is being called “the new Berlin”.
Social anthropologist Dr Johnny Karanicholas of Adelaide University will present an online lecture entitled Art and Crisis on the Streets of Athens on the evening of 26 November as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars by the Greek Community of Melbourne.
Dr Karanicholas’s presentation will look at the complex composition of the alternative arts scene which grew out of Athens during the years of Greece’s economic crisis starting in 2009 and intensified by the refugee crisis that emerged in 2015.
Images of suffering, anarchy, indignation and violence became identified with the Greek capital’s fast changing art scene. What has emerged has drawn the attention of the international art world.
In his talk, Dr Karanicholas will explore the extent to which times of crisis can be culturally productive by looking at the distinctive spatial, temporal and socio-political conditions have led to Athens’ vibrant arts scene.
READ MORE: Art rises above the challenges of COVID-19 and isolation
Dr Karanicholas completed his PhD in Social Antoropology based on over a year of field research in Athens. His work was informed by regular interactions with members of the city’s arts community as well private and public arts institutions and festivals.
He is a tutor at Adelaide University teaching anthropology,iInternational development and criminology. He is also a professional musician and artist who has performend with artists around the world, particularly in Australia and Greece.
♦ The lecture will be held online at 7pm via GCM links on Zoom, You Tube and Facebook.
READ MORE: Art persists in a time of pandemic