KSOPORTI ART WEEKEND
Paphos
31 May - 2 June
Artists, locations and map showing locations now available on - www.ksoporti.com
Ksoporti Art Weekend 2024: Piecing Together Paphos
Ksoporti Art Weekend returns for its annual edition, this time landing in Paphos. From May 31st to June 2nd, art enthusiasts are invited to immerse themselves in a dynamic exploration of the local visual art scene, which will showcase artist studios and cultural institutions.
Ksoporti Art Weekend 2024 will take place according to the following schedule. For the event’s map and for further information, please visit www.ksoporti.com
• Friday, May 31st: Paphos City Centre: 17:00 - 22:00; Tala, Lemba, Kissonerga: 17:00 - 21:00
• Saturday, June 1st: Paphos City Centre: 17:00 - 22:00; Tala, Lemba, Kissonerga: 17:00 - 21:00
• Sunday, June 2nd: Paphos City Centre, Tala, Lemba, Kissonerga: 11:00 - 17:00
A Journey Through Paphos
Thorough research into Paphos’ art community, cultural infrastructure, and historical context informed the selection process of participants for this year's Ksoporti Art Weekend. Expanding beyond the city centre for the first time, the event reaches into the villages of Lemba, Kissonerga, and Tala. Despite challenges such as limited participation from certain areas, diligent efforts were made to ensure the inclusion of these villages so as to reflect their important role in Paphos’ artistic identity.
A Focus on Cultural Hubs
In a notable departure from previous editions, this year's Ksoporti Art Weekend places a heightened emphasis on artistic infrastructure over commercial spaces. The event proudly showcases a diverse array of institutions that serve as pillars of the Paphos cultural ecosystem.
From the renowned Kimonos Art Centre to the innovative M.A.M.A Contemporary in Paphos city, these venues nurture creativity and promote local talent. The Makers Space in Tala champions contemporary ceramic art, the Cyprus College of Art in Lemba continues to inspire aspiring artists, while the Paphos Municipal Gallery provides a platform for homegrown talent. By prioritizing these cultural hubs, Ksoporti Art Weekend 2024 underscores its commitment to fostering a supportive environment for artists and artistic organizations alike.
Artist Spotlight
This year's lineup shines a spotlight on artists who have played pivotal roles in shaping Cyprus' art scene, such as Giorgos Kotsonis, Christos Foukaras, and Mariam Soukhanova Foukara. Notably, Paphos boasts a wealth of talent, including descendants of second generation artists, like Katerina Foukara, Yiannos Economou, and Emilio Koutsoftides. These distinguished creatives continue the tradition of artistic innovation and experimentation by leaving their own unique mark.
Moreover, the event will showcase established artists who have significantly contributed to the development of conceptual and experimental art forms, such as Rinos Stefani and Susan Vargas, alongside representatives of the new generation of pioneers of experimental and conceptual art, like Rafaella Constantinou.
In addition, participating artists like Michalis Theodosiou, Anastasia Krivenko, Vladimir Ponomarev, and Aristotelis Demetriou draw inspiration from nature and everyday moments, infusing their work with a sense of nostalgia.
The event will also feature artists with a vast array of influences, such as Arsenty Lysenkov, Fotini Michailidi, Yiota Ioannidou and Iryna Manukovska, whose diverse backgrounds and chosen media converge to present the richness of the local artistic community.
Lastly, departing from traditional exhibition practices, Ksoporti Art Weekend 2024 introduces alternatives to showcase artists who may not have studios or were unable to participate with their space. At Ibrahim Khan, the House of Arts and Letters, and M.A.M.A Contemporary, attendees can experience the artistic process first hand as artists Aristotelis Demetriou, Yiota Ioannidou, Fotini Michailidi, Vicky Achillidou, Elli Contou, Katerina Demetriou and Michalis Theodosiou will not only showcase their works but will also share personal items from their studios, studies, and inspirations. This immersive approach offers a deeper understanding of the creative journey behind each artist's practice.
For further information on the participants visit www.ksoporti.com.
