Dr. Johnny Karanicolas from the Adelaide University, will present an online lecture on Thursday 26 November, as part of the Greek History and Culture Seminars, offered by the Greek Community of Melbourne.

This presentation will outline the complex composition of the alternative art scene which has developed in Athens, Greece throughout a time of crisis. With the emergence of the economic crisis in 2009 and the intensification of the refugee crisis between 2015 and 2016, images of suffering, anarchy, indignation and violence have become synonymous with Athens. Developing in parallel with this has been a cultural revolution led by the city’s fast changing arts sector.

The thriving art scene has attracted the attention of the international art world leading some to proclaim Athens as ‘the new Berlin’ (in reference to Berlin’s reputation as a hub of contemporary European art).

The presentation will explore the extent to which times of crisis can be culturally productive by analysing the distinctive spatial, temporal and socio-political conditions that have facilitated the vibrant art scene in Greece’s capital city.
Dr. Johnny Karanicolas has completed a PhD in Social Anthropology based on over a year of field research in Athens, Greece exploring the burgeoning contemporary art scene. The research was informed by regular participation with artists, art collectives, curators, collectors, galleries, public and private art institutions, and festivals. Johnny currently works as a tutor at Adelaide University teaching across the disciplines of Anthropology, International Development and Criminology. Beyond this Johnny is a professional musician and artist having collaborated and performed with artists around the world (particularly in Greece and Australia).

Where: Zoom: https://bit.ly/2Us5J4r
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/gocmv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Greekcommunitymelb/
When: Thursday 26 November 2020 @ 7.00pm